Between Nationalism and Internationalization: The Influence of the Balanced Internationalization Bill on Dutch Universities and Their Inclusive and International Commitments
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2025-07-11
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en
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The Balanced Internationalization Bill (WIB) claims to promote a balance between the benefits of internationalization and its negative side effects by controlling international student flows and preserving and strengthening the Dutch language in education and research. The aim of this thesis is to explore how Dutch universities interpret and respond to the WIB considering their efforts to promote an inclusive and international learning environment. The analysis draws on a frame analysis of the WIB, complemented by a qualitative analysis of documents issued by Universiteiten van Nederland (UNL) and semi-structured interviews with university staff involved in equality/equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), internationalization, and/or language. Findings show that universities respond with both critique and adaptation, viewing the WIB as reflecting nationalist and anti-migration sentiments, fearing that the bill may undermine diversity, inclusion, and academic quality. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates that the WIB constrains the inclusive and international character of Dutch universities, highlighting the tension between national interests and international openness.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen