Opinion Panel | Closer cooperation between the UvA and the Ministry of Defence is a good idea
Dutch universities are set to collaborate ever more closely with the Ministry of Defence. It is said to make society “safer and more resilient”, but there has also been criticism that such cooperation could undermine the independence of universities. This week on the Folia opinion panel: is closer cooperation between the UvA and the Ministry of Defence a good idea?
Closer cooperation between the UvA and the Ministry of Defence is a good idea
Kevin Hoogeveen (28) is a PhD student in ancient history.
“The proposed closer collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and universities is good news for the Netherlands and for the UvA. It offers academia an excellent opportunity to contribute even more to the common good. Security and resilience are collective endeavours.”
“The declaration of intent safeguards academic freedom and explicitly expresses the ambition to strive for a more just society while respecting the autonomy of scholars. Opus iustitiae pax.”
“All faculties have valuable knowledge to offer. At my faculty, for example, military history has been a well-established field of research for many years, and the Master’s programme is popular. Moreover, close collaboration creates an opportunity to hold one another accountable to the conditions and objectives set out in the declaration of intent.”
“A possible next step would be for the university to make it easier for employees to become reservists. Colleagues who wish to serve their fellow citizens in this way would then not have to do so at weekends or use their annual leave.”
Erika Lippi (20) studies political science & extended minor in philosophy.
“We have heard a lot over the past few years about the political role of universities. Many top-level administrators (including the CvB) hold that the UvA should be neutral and inclusive. Allying themselves with the military is a direct contradiction to such principles; taking the side of political and military power represents a tacit agreement with a collection of political stances.”
“Here, the UvA is taking a particular stance on the nature of nationalism, state sovereignty and the legitimacy of imperialism. Not only are these strong political stances, but they are also very controversial at the university; views that are not representative of many students and staff.”
“The UvA needs to make a decision: either it is a political institution, or it is not – but it cannot simultaneously repress political demands by students and staff under the guise of neutrality and then decide to work with the military.”
Nicos Starreveld (37) is a lecturer at the Korteweg de Vries Institute for Mathematics.
“I agree with the statement. Closer cooperation will enable the UvA to contribute actively to the future development of the Ministry of Defence. Modernising the national defence infrastructure is a major challenge, following many decades of underfunding.’
“Furthermore, military applications have been crucial to the development of the exact sciences, from the development of mechanics to atomic physics, operations research and game theory. In the strategic defence plan 2025-2029 we already see challenges that are exciting for these disciplines.”
“Moreover, joint research in the social sciences is equally important. It can support policymaking, increase public engagement and establish clear boundaries on what the defence sector is allowed to do. Consider the ethical and legal boundaries of gathering information from and about citizens.”
“At the same time, it is important to distinguish between research collaboration and the actual implementation of the resulting research. How the research will be implemented in practice is a political choice and should be subject to public scrutiny.”
