Our final day in the Netherlands was spent exploring Den Haag, the country’s administrative and governmental capital. Den Haag is where the King or Queen resides, where the Prime Minister works, and where the legislative branch convenes. The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the role of the monarch is defined and limited by the country’s constitution. While the King or Queen holds relatively little political power, they remain an important symbol of the nation both at home and on the world stage.
Political authority in the Netherlands rests with the Council of Ministers (the cabinet) which is led by the Prime Minister, who guides the council’s meetings and decision-making. The legislative branch, known as the States General, is responsible for drafting legislation and overseeing the actions of the cabinet. Unlike the United States, the Netherlands is not limited to two major parties, which allows for a more proportional representation of political viewpoints within the States General.
Walking through Den Haag, we had the chance to explore the city’s many governmental buildings up close. Beyond its national institutions, the city is also home to numerous embassies and international courts. Among the most famous is the Peace Palace, which, despite its name, is not a royal residence but rather the home of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the United Nations International Court of Justice. Both institutions work to resolve conflicts between nations, and the Peace Palace has long been a symbol of the pursuit of global peace.
At the Peace Palace visitor center, we learned about the history of the institution and how its two courts function quite differently from one another. The Permanent Court of Arbitration is not a traditional court; it brings together diplomatic representatives from all member nations and works through deliberation to reach compromise. The International Court of Justice, by contrast, operates as a formal court composed of fifteen judges from around the world, elected by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.
On a different note, Den Haag offers a fascinating look into how cities evolve over time. 19th-century governmental buildings and historic neighborhoods sit comfortably alongside 21st-century skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. The Netherlands’ extensive public transportation network is also very visible here. Every major city and town is connected to the national rail system, and within each city, a web of metros, trams, and buses means you can travel the entire country without ever needing a car. That’s something I’ll certainly miss once I’m back in the United States.
My time in the Netherlands was genuinely enriching. I came away with a deeper understanding of history, culture, and sustainability, and the many ways these things intersect. I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned into my classes and carry it forward into whatever comes next.