In this lecture, we dive into the fascinating world of the international law of the sea. We will explore the definitions, distinctions, and legal regimes that govern the various maritime features under international law. Ever wondered what truly defines an island, a rock, a low tide elevation, or an artificial island? How about the difference between a ship and an installation? We will uncover all of that and more. Join us for an exciting discussion where you deepen your understanding of the law of the sea and its real-world implications! 

Social conditions or rather the social determinants of health (SDH) are conditions, factors and systems that place people from different socio-demographic and socio-economic groups (social class, gender, race/ethnicity, and place of birth) at differential risk of poor health and premature mortality.  In this session, we will explore what makes people healthy or unhealthy by examining how place impacts health and well-being.  There will be opportunities for both whole class lectures as well as small breakout discussions.

This is a small sample of next year’s first-year literature course, which will take place in the second semester. One of the best ways to understand literature is through attempting to construct a narrative of one’s own. Don’t worry; you don’t need to do any reading in advance! But I would appreciate it if you bring a pen and paper. You’ll need them. 

The recent IPPC reports tell us – again – that climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time and will affect modern human life globally. Locally extreme climate events such as droughts and storms already pose serious challenges to society – also here in the Netherlands. In this class we will discuss the pros and cons of several adaptation strategies to reduce extreme weather risks, such as geoengineering and nature-based solutions. 

How (not) to think about international security. 

Is it appropriate to speak of war in moral terms? Social scientists and IR theorists often approach it in abstract terms as an outcome of causal processes. They try to understand those causes scientifically, so that war can be prevented by trying to manipulate the conditions that make it more or less likely. Military strategists ask questions about what works: how can war be waged effectively and won quickly? We might therefore ask whether we gain a clearer understanding of war if we strip away moral judgements and treat it impartially as a technical problem. This class will ask whether moral judgements have a place in serious reflection on war, and what good reasons there might be for thinking it does.