Netherlands

We offer a rich portrait of the Netherlands, centered on its inherent contradictions and defining struggles that shape national identity. A primary focus is the nation’s enduring, artificial relationship with water and nature, demonstrating how constant land reclamation has fundamentally influenced everything from geography and infrastructure to internal conflicts between urban, farming, and environmental groups. The texts also address the contemporary tension between the country’s reputation for liberalism and tolerance versus the emergence of conservative rhetoric and the contentious debates surrounding racial heritage, notably concerning the figure of Zwarte Piet. Furthermore, the material highlights Dutch economic prowess as a global agricultural and technological leader, detailing the rise of the Food Valley and pioneering efforts in cultivated meat. This complex identity is further explored through cultural touchstones, contrasting the artistic movements of Amsterdam's creative counter-culture with the industrial, pragmatic spirit of Rotterdam, whose fierce regionalism once manifested in the Gabber music scene and the decline of "Total Football."