Interview with political candidate, Martijn Hagoort '12
Martijn Hagoort graduated as a member of AUC's first cohort in 2012. During his time at AUC, he majored in the social sciences. He has worked for the Dutch government for nearly a decade, holding various positions within the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, working with overseas countries and territories, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Justice. As the Dutch general elections are approaching, Martijn hopes to leverage his professional experience to transition into politics. He is currently running for office as a member of the Dutch political party Volt. His goals include strengthening the European Union through democratisation and working towards a common European defense, bringing back trust in politics and the government and additionally improving kingdom relations. We interviewed Martijn about his government work and how his time at AUC has influenced his career.
What has your professional and academic trajectory looked like since AUC?
After graduating, I started my career at AUC as a graduate assistant for a year. Following that, I pursued my master's degree in London at King's College, where I deliberately chose a programme that wasn't limited to a single focus. I studied International Peace and Security, delving into modules covering topics such as cybersecurity and the proliferation of chemical and radiological nuclear weapons, along with strategies for countering them. This broadened my perspective, reflecting the interdisciplinary approach I had developed at AUC. Throughout my career, I have maintained this interdisciplinary outlook. I began as a government trainee, working on the digitalisation of government services. Later, at the Ministry of Defence, I focused on international military cooperation, particularly within the European context. Subsequently, I tackled kingdom relations, and now, in my current role at the Ministry of Justice, I find myself in an international environment addressing issues related to radicalisation. My career trajectory has remained remarkably diverse and all-encompassing.
Why have you chosen to work in politics? What goals would you like to achieve as a candidate?
Nine years ago, I chose a career in government driven by my desire to contribute to the public good rather than working in the private sector. Over this time, my concern for the state of our democracy has grown significantly. I've witnessed growing polarisation and a harshening of our societal discourse. Trust in the public system has steadily eroded, possibly for even longer than a decade, and I now feel a pressing need to address this issue. This urgency has led me to make the decision to run for office, aiming to be a voice against the politics of distrust. My goal is to view people as individuals, and address them on the basis of trust.
What are your top tips for students and alumni who would also like to work in politics?
Find a cause that truly ignites your passion and commit yourself to it for the betterment of the public. Have unwavering confidence in your abilities, as there will always be sceptics attempting to sow doubt in your beliefs and ideas. Don't hesitate to seek assistance, as you cannot navigate this journey alone; you require a circle of trustworthy individuals who can collaborate and brainstorm with you.
It's equally crucial to remain grounded by remembering your roots. While earning your degree is a commendable achievement, it's essential to acknowledge that you didn't reach this point entirely on your own. Your opportunities were shaped by your environment, a fact that should not be overlooked. You are, in part, a product of the opportunities that came your way, often beyond your control. However, you can take pride in how you seized and managed those opportunities. Recognising this is vital – it's an acknowledgment of your privilege. Finally, always stay true to yourself.