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On December 3rd, the Future of Citizen-based Initiatives (FOCI) Hub organized a public lecture on Prof. Dr Maarten Prak’s (Economic and Social History) book Citizens Without Nations. In this book, Prak discusses the phenomenon urban citizenship in the medieval and early modern period, and illustrates how ‘ordinary’ citizens have continuously been able to shape local and state politics.

Prak started his talk with a contemporary example of economic differences between Mexico and the United States, suggesting that any explanation should address the importance of institutions that did not simply appear, but were shaped in the ages prior. Prak illustrated this by discussing the importance of urban governance, guilds, local welfare and civic militias (schutterijen), and explained why this phenomenon of urban citizenship was an exception rather than rule in Europe at the time. He concluded his talk by suggesting it may be valuable to reconsider the value of local democracy, also today.

Guild systems

The floor was then given to Frans Stokman, professor in Sociology at the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ of Groningen and board member of the foundation Samen Energie Neutraal. Stokman listed a number of conditions needed for a well-functioning guild system. These, he argued, are in essence the same conditions needed for a well-functioning cooperative system. One of the crucial elements, he said, are weak yet stable nations where local governance can flourish. Stokman connected changes in production to communication revolutions, particularly the current ICT technologies, using the example of decentralized, sustainable energy production. In order to make such a system a success, local participation should be encouraged and facilitated.

Citizen initiatives

Thirdly, Mr. Thomas Hessels was given the floor to comment on the book. Hessels, who has a background in Law and recently retired from his job at the Dutch Ministry of the Interior (leading the Right to Challenge program), talked about the many types of citizen initiatives today. Hessels emphasized the importance of the rule of law alongside democracy; giving examples of Hungary and Poland – where the government was elected democratically but the rule of law is deteriorating. He suggested to educate on citizenship and what it entails, as well as to support cooperation between citizens, citizen initiatives and (local) governments.

Afterwards there was time for debate. Many interesting questions were posed by members of the audience which was a mix of scientists, representatives from civil society organizations and simply interested citizens.

Future of Citizen-based Initiatives (FOCI)

The seminar was organized by the Future of Citizen-based Initiatives (FOCI) Hub, one of Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ’s research hubs within the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies.