About us
The Contesting Governance platform critically examines how power is constituted and contested in institutions and society. We explore shifting governance, security, institutions, and human rights landscapes, analyzing how state and non-state actors shape political and socio-economic orders. Our platform highlights how contestation, through protests, legal action, and alternative governance models, can strengthen and endanger societies. By bringing together interdisciplinary researchers from Utrecht University and beyond, we push the boundaries of contemporary governance research.
Meet the Contesting Governance Platform
Priority Areas
Our core team identifies and selects two Priority Areas that we consider urgent and closely aligned with our expertise. These areas reflect the activities and interests of core team members. By designating priority areas, we aim to channel our efforts into issues where we can make a meaningful contribution, both academically and in public debate. Currently, our Priority Areas are Contesting Academia, which examines struggles over knowledge production and academic freedom, and The Palestine Lab, which addresses governance, resistance, and international solidarity with Palestine.
Our engagement with these Priority Areas takes multiple forms. We develop and organize our own activities, including seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, to deepen critical discussions and foster knowledge exchange. At the same time, we actively seek partnerships with researchers, students, and practitioners whose work resonates with these themes. This allows us to build synergies and strengthen collective efforts in addressing pressing governance challenges. It is important to note that these priority areas evolve over time. As new issues emerge and the landscape of governance shifts, we reassess and refine our focus. This ensures that our platform remains responsive to the most pressing debates and challenges.
While these priority areas help us strategize a more targeted contribution to both the academic community and public discourse, they do not define the full extent of our work. Contesting Governance remains committed to engaging with a broad range of critical topics and approaches, as described in our overall mission. The Priority Areas serve as a strategic lens—helping us sharpen our interventions while remaining open to collaboration and engagement across a broad spectrum of governance-related issues.
Beyond these focus areas, we actively support our Subprojects —initiatives from past and present core members—ensuring their continued impact through collaboration in research and public engagement.