I write regularly for public audiences about extremism, political violence, gender, and democratic culture. My public scholarship translates my academic research into accessible analysis for readers, policymakers, journalists, and communities navigating the mainstreaming of extremist narratives. Across Dutch and English outlets, I examine how misogyny, far-right ideology, and cultural symbols shape political behavior and democratic resilience.
My goal in public writing is to make complex research legible without losing nuance, and to show how everyday cultural material, such as music, memes, sports fandom, and online communities, can become politically meaningful. I view public scholarship as an essential part of political science: a way to connect research to democratic life, demonstrate the cultural dynamics that shape political behavior, and engage communities in conversations about violence, identity, and the challenges to democratic societies.
Op-Eds & Public Writing
2026
“Voetbal is nooit ‘alleen maar’ een sport.” Joop, July 7, 2026
On the political dimensions of soccer culture and why sports cannot be separated from democratic life.
“De dreiging van buitenaf krijgt aandacht, het geweld van binnenuit blijft stil.” Joop, May 12, 2026
A critique of how public discourse prioritizes external threats while overlooking domestic political violence.
“Opinie: de hype rond ‘looksmaxxing’ smokkelt vrouwvijandige ideeën de mainstream in.” Trouw, April 27, 2026
An analysis of how beauty optimization trends normalize misogynistic narratives.
“Opinie: Waarom blijven we wegkijken bij seksueel geweld binnen relaties?” Volkskrant, April 25, 2026
On cultural silence surrounding intimate partner violence and its consequences.
“De manosphere begint niet online, maar juist bij het alledaagse.” Joop, April 3, 2026
A discussion of how everyday misogyny forms the cultural foundation of online extremist spaces.
“Als geweld normaal wordt: Scrollen voorbij de democratie.” Joop, January 25, 2026
On the normalization of political violence through digital culture and algorithmic repetition.
2025
“Met een catchy refrein dringt extreemrechts gedachtegoed de popcultuur binnen.” Joop, November 10, 2025
An exploration of how far-right ideas circulate through music and pop culture.
“Incels Zijn Een Extreme Spiegel van de Samenleving.” Joop, August 27, 2025
A reflection on incel ideology as a cultural mirror rather than an isolated fringe.
2024
“Extreme Misogyny Fuels Mass Violence – and It Could Get Worse.” Inkstick Media, April 17, 2024
On misogyny as a driver of mass violence and its implications for security policy.
2023
“Men Hating Women: A Gateway Into the Far-Right.” Inkstick Media, December 14, 2023
A piece connecting gendered grievances to far-right radicalization pathways.
“Opinie: Misogynie ondermijnt de democratische rechtsstaat. Dit mogen en kunnen we niet langer accepteren.” Volkskrant, July 18, 2023
On misogyny as a democratic threat and the urgency of addressing it.
Media & Interviews
Interview on extremist narratives, political culture, and the cultural alignment mechanisms that shape radicalization.
Discusses how mainstream cultural material becomes politically consequential and how democratic societies can better understand emerging extremist threats.