Dutch society, with its open economy and international orientation, is in dire need of resilience. The social cohesion and inclusiveness of society are under pressure due to technological change, globalisation of the economy and migration flows, among other things. Due to robotisation and international division of labour, some sectors and professions are shrinking, while others are growing. Large flows of migrants are permanently changing the face of society. Developments in one part of the world, partly due to new media and the internet, have a direct impact on developments in other parts. Traditions seem to be lost and dividing lines between population groups seem to be growing.
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The question is whether, and to what extent, the above observations are true. And if so, whether and how to reverse certain processes, how to promote cohesion within society and how to reduce divisions between population groups. This raises a series of questions with historical, cultural, economic and social science dimensions, such as: What can we learn about resilient societies from historical and international comparisons? What historical differences are there between developments in different countries, for instance with regard to economic growth and social cohesion? Which institutions, such as the rule of law, parliamentary democracy and the welfare state, determine the vitality and cohesion of a society? In what ways do institutions play a role in cohesion and cooperation between individuals? Can the achievements of the rule of law, parliamentary democracy and the welfare state be maintained in their current form, and do these achievements have lasting positive effects on the cohesion of societies?
