Iskander
De Bruycker
PhD

Assistant Professor in EU Politics and Policy

Learn about my Research, Teaching and Outreach

Iskander De Bruycker is a Tenured Assistant Professor at Maastricht University. He is one of Europe’s leading scholars on EU lobbying and public affairs. His research focuses on the triangular relationship between citizens, lobby groups and policymakers. His work investigates under which conditions lobby groups strengthen or weaken the voice of citizens in EU policy processes. His current projects address pressing societal issues such as advocacy in times of Corona, populist communication towards the EU and the link between money and lobbying influence. Iskander’s work is widely published in academic journals and popular outlets. Iskander is a dedicated teacher and mentor and he regularly engages with public affairs professionals through workshops and consultancy.

Find out more

Practice Areas

Teaching

My teaching, workshops and keynote talks focus on EU public affairs, democratic representation and research methods. I am regularly invited to give keynote talks and guest lectures on lobbying strategies and influence, for instance at Oxfam Novib, Rud Pedersen, Political Intelligence or the Centre of European Policy Studies. At Maastricht University, I teach courses on European integration, EU lobbying and research methods in the Bachelor and Master European Studies and in the Master European Public Affairs.

Research

I am intrigued by the reciprocal relationships between citizens, lobby groups and policy elites. My PhD research dealt with the influence and strategies of lobbyists in EU legislative politics. My current research projects investigate whether and when European citizens see their policy preferences translated into EU policy outcomes. In this vein, I seek to unravel whether and when lobby groups improve or impede democratic responsiveness in the EU. My research focuses on national, EU and global policymaking in a diverse set of policy areas (environmental policy, finance, consumer affairs, trade, energy, internal market…).

Advice & Mentoring

I offer advice and mentorship to students in political science and neighboring disciplines. To keep abreast of any developments in the area of public affairs, EU public policy and political communication, I regularly exchange with non-academic partners. I tutor Bachelor and Master students in European Studies and European Public Affairs at Maastricht University.


Outreach

I popularize my research via social media, blogs and press contacts. I want to share my passion and exchange ideas with all interested in how citizens and interest organizations can optimize their advocacy efforts and influence public opinion and policy decisions.

Contact me

Maastricht University

Minderbroedersberg 4-6, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands

(+31) 43 388 2222

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