David Van Reybrouck
(Belgium, 1971) is an author, historian and archaeologist, known for his multifaceted contributions to literature and intellectual discourse. He is currently Philosopher Laureate of the Low Countries. Upon his appointment, he published De wereld en de aarde (The World and the Earth, 2025), in which he makes a groundbreaking proposal to radically broaden our thinking—and our politics. For the greatest security issue of our time is not the world with its mutual conflicts, but the earth, which is becoming increasingly disrupted. His oeuvre covers a range of genres, including historical non-fiction, poetry, and theater. Among his best-known works are Congo (2010), about the country's bewildering history, and Revolusi (2020), which places Indonesia's struggle for independence in a global perspective through eyewitness accounts. In addition to his literary work, Van Reybrouck is known as ‘one of Europe's leading intellectuals’ (Tagesspiegel), whose ideas relate to themes such as democracy, climate, and colonialism. He regularly publishes opinion pieces in international publications.
Go to the website of David Van Reybrouck
Instagram: @david.vanreybrouck
Past events
Book of My Life: David Van Reybrouck
Writers told us about their favourite book, followed by a book-signing session.
Thinking Beyond the State
Is the state capable of coping with globalization? Ian Buruma spoke with American-Mexican author Jennifer Clement and writer David Van Reybrouck.
The Rage of Europe - about the innermost outsiders of Europe
Warsaw, Berlin, Brussel, Bucharest: points of view and interpretations about rage in Europe. With poems and music as counterpoints.
Fraternité! The Forgotten Value of Brotherhood
Conversations, poems and music about the comeback of the 3rd pillar from the French Revolution.
At the Home Front
Ian Buruma wrote Year Zero: A History of 1945, about the aftermath of WWII. Stefan Hertman's War and Turpentine describes World War I through the eyes of his grandfather. Both authors used the experiences of a family member as motivation to delve into world history. Louise O. Fresco starts off the program with a commentary.
Writers Formerly Known as African
Maaza Mengiste was born in Ethiopia and moved to the US as a child. Nii Ayikwei Parkes was born in London to Ghanaian parents. How defining is their parents' country in their work and identity? Toef Jaeger opens with a commentary. She is the biographer of the writer Henk van Woerden, who grew up in South Africa and emigrated to the Netherlands.
The Medium and the Message
The social and political influence of the new media is praised extensively as well as severely criticised. David Van Reybrouck hosts a discussion with Sami Ben Gharbia (Tunesia), Ngwatilo Mawiyoo (Kenya) and Ece Temelkuran (Turkey) about the hopes and dreams of changing the world and the possibilities impossiblilities that the Internet provides in achieving this goal. Including a performance of composer, performer and poet Jaap Blonk. In English.
The Third Chamber of Parliament
Third Chamber chair Ruben Maes invites you to debate, interrupt, and introduce amendments. Bring true democracy closer. Even if it is just for one evening. Five guests will spark off the debate: philosopher Maxim Februari, cultural historian Thomas von der Dunk, journalist Paul van der Gaag and writers Christine Otten and David Van Reybrouck enter into a discussion with you. In Dutch.
Burger King and Citizenship
The debate on the role of the citizen in democracy is in the spotlights. But is the ordinary citizen waiting for such a king's role? Why not have an election every so often? David Van Reybrouck, Bas Heijne and Willem Schinkel in search of the answer, talking to Paul van der Gaag. Nelleke Noordervliet opens with a column, diving into the history of Dutch democracy. In Dutch.
Forget it!
Writers commenting on the black pages in their country’s history. Hanaan as-Sjaykh wrote about the civil war in Lebanon, Alberto Manguel did the same about the dirty war in Argentina while Hans Goedkoop shed a new light on the Dutch East Indies of the police actions in the late 1940s. David Van Reybrouck talks to them. Musical intermezzo: Ngwatilo Mawiyoo accompanied by Serigne Gueye and Mark Tuinstra. In English
Burger King & Citizenship
Since the crisis there has been a lot of talk about consumer confidence. But what about ‘citizen confidence'? The 21st century citizen seems to be adrift. He feels powerless, unheard and misunderstood. The expressions of discontent, the analyses of the causes and the attempts at a solution are endless: From Occupy to the Tea Party. Tonight the citizens speak in the greenhouse in front of the theatre. You can watch and listen outside.
How to be a Dictator in Africa
Writers David van Reybrouck, Helon Habila and Dinaw Mengestu take us with them in the spirit of of the once so optimistic leaders who, after the independence of their countries, turned into dictators one by one. Andrew Makkinga chairs the discussion. In English.
The Other Colonial History
Flemish author David van Reybrouck and Reggie Baay look at the perspective of people who witnessed history themselves. Historian Tjitske Lingsma, the author of het verdriet van Ambon, talks to them about their search for the other history of the colonies. In Dutch.
