Dr. Karin Van Leeuwen

Biography

Karin van Leeuwen is an assistant professor specializing in European political history at Maastricht University. She co-initiated and co-leads the Law & History research network within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Karin obtained her PhD from Radboud University Nijmegen in 2013, and has master's degrees in History from the University of Groningen and in Euroculture from Georg August Universität Göttingen and Uniwersytet Jagielloński in Kraków. Her prior academic positions include roles at the University of Amsterdam, the University of Copenhagen, and the Huygens Institute for Dutch History. Her research focuses on the interplay between modern European politics and legal practices, which has led to publications on topics such as international law and the League of Nations and the constitutionalization of EU law. Presently, her research agenda aims to historicize the judicialization of politics in Europe during the 20th century and the development of parliamentary democracies in relation to the expansion of the rule of law. In this context, she explores the shift of power from legislatures to judicial bodies and the implications this shift has on contemporary politics. Additionally, Karin is engaged in research concerning the history of socialism in the Netherlands and the legal history of European integration. Her work aligns with ongoing projects focusing on international law, particularly regarding the interwar period.

Research Interests

Experience