Michel co-founded the Haagsch Institute GeopolitiekNu (HIG). As an analyst, he focuses on geopolitics and geo-economics, with an emphasis on Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. He is a regular analyst and host on the GeopolitiekNu podcast, writes articles, gives lectures and masterclasses, and frequently appears in the media. Through HIG and Sprekershuys, he can be booked as a speaker and moderator. He also advises policymakers and companies.
In addition, he teaches economic governance at Leiden University and conducts research on the influence of economic developments on democratization. He uses this background to deeply analyze geopolitical developments.
Anchoring the Netherlands and Europe
“The deeper drive for me and for us is to anchor the Netherlands and Europe more firmly in the new world order. That is why the Haagsch Institute GeopolitiekNu was created. The future well-being of the Dutch and Europeans is what motivates me. Geopolitics increasingly influences this. In my view, geopolitical analyses often lack depth and concrete perspectives for action for the Netherlands and Europe. Countries are too often portrayed as unitary actors. The geopolitical debate also often lacks in-depth regional knowledge. A recipe for analytical and policy errors. Under such circumstances, it is almost impossible for our public administration, companies, and citizens to properly prepare for the consequences of a fragmenting world order. We wanted to change that. This began as the GeopolitiekNu podcast and has now grown into the Haagsch Institute GeopolitiekNu.”
Action perspective for the Netherlands and Europe
“There is a clear way forward for the Netherlands and Europe: The Third Way of multilateral middle powers. Form strategic partnerships with (democratic) middle powers and try to use these to save multilateralism. In this way, we can offer the world an appealing perspective – alongside the unilaterally oriented superpowers, the U.S. and China. With my analyses and insights – for example, in podcasts, articles, lectures, masterclasses, and media appearances – I try to help policymakers, companies, and citizens face our geopolitical challenges. I also try to help foreign diplomats navigate Dutch public administration.”
Media appearances
Nu.nl
📅 30 september 2025
Shipping companies face a choice: danger in the Red Sea or a 6,500-kilometer detour
Nu.nl
📅 18 september 2025
Europe’s pro-Israel stance under pressure: EU makes a fool of itself
Nu.nl
📅 19 augustus 2025
Zelensky survives the White House, but Putin is the winner of the weekend
Nu.nl
📅 13 augustus 2025
Unity at Ukraine summit: “Trump will always discuss border issues with Zelensky”
De Volkskrant
📅 5 augustus 2025
Trump punishes India for import of Russian oil after failed negotiations
Nu.nl
📅 30 juli 2025
More and more sanctions against Israel, but Brussels remains silent: this is why
Nu.nl
📅 25 juli 2025
Division in Ukraine: protests are a warning sign for Zelensky
De Volkskrant
📅 15 juli 2025
Houthi attacks hinder the return of trade through the Suez Canal
Nieuwsweekend, NPO Radio 1
📅 5 juli 2025
Middle East temporarily loses direction due to weakened Iran
Buitenland met Boswijk (Podcast)
📅 21 april 2025
🎧 Title: What role should the Netherlands seize in Europe’s geopolitical coming-of-age?
Listen to episode
De Atlantische Blik (Podcast)
📅 18 april 2025
🎧 Title: A strategy for Europe in the post-transatlantic era
Listen to episode
Nieuwsweekend, NPO Radio 1
📅 12 april 2025
U.S. calls Iran and its nuclear program to account in Oman
Atlantisch Perspectief (Atlantische Commissie)
📅 27 maart 2025
The post-transatlantic era offers opportunities for Europe’s Third Way
Trouw
📅 20 maart 2025
Open: an elegant hunt for top American scientists
Den Haag Centraal
📅 27 februari 2025
Costs and benefits of the NATO summit: international gains, local burdens?
De Africast (Podcast)
📅 3 december 2024
🎧 Title: Fortress Europe begins in Africa: a look into European migration deals
Listen to episode
Mare (Universiteit Leiden)
📅 1 februari 2024
Geopolitics is like Game of Thrones
