Wessel’s background lies in philosophy; he completed a bachelor’s degree in Amsterdam, where he focused primarily on political philosophy. He has complemented this interest with a background in political science, which has shaped his thinking and his fascination with geopolitics. From a young age, he has been a true ‘political animal’, fascinated by the political game and the fundamental underlying themes of Dutch and European politics. In this regard, he focuses specifically on issues surrounding liberal democracy, various geopolitical frameworks and the role of institutions in both the national and international arenas.

His passion for geopolitics was further developed during his recent Master’s degree in European Studies. During this programme, he explored the role of Europe and the policy choices within a rapidly changing world order. Within this context, his greatest interest lies in the diplomacy surrounding critical raw materials that are essential for the green transition, defence and overall economic strength.

After all, the EU’s quest for reliable supply chains and the processing of these raw materials is increasingly shaped by strategic diplomacy and international cooperation.

“It is becoming increasingly important that we, as the Netherlands and Europe, understand how countries in the rest of the world view their position within a potential new world order,” Wessel emphasises. “This will make us more successful diplomatically and will promote multilateral cooperation.”

According to him, this ties in seamlessly with HIG’s mission to bring together international players and middle powers, of which the Netherlands and Europe are part.

“I am therefore looking forward to making a substantial contribution to this mission of HIG. I am keen to use my knowledge in the future to strengthen our geopolitical clout and protect the values of the Netherlands and the European Union.”