Obituary: Professor Rinus van Schendelen (1944 – 2024)
A life dedicated to European public affairs, political science, and practical policy dvocacy, writes Peter JG van Keulen.
With deep sadness we have taken note on September 5, 2024, of the passing of Professor Rinus van Schendelen, the towering founding father in the field of European public affairs and political science. Known for his deep theoretical insights, practical expertise, and unparalleled contributions to both academia and policy practice, Professor van Schendelen left an indelible mark on political science and public affairs, combining the best of both worlds. His work influenced generations of students, scholars, policymakers, and lobbyists across Europe and beyond.
Born on February 17, 1944, in the Netherlands, Rinus van Schendelen displayed an early interest in the mechanisms of power, governance, and policy decision-making. Throughout his life, he became an ardent advocate of bridging the gap between theory and practice, a passion that underpinned his illustrious career. His innovative thinking shaped the field of public affairs, particularly the study and practice of lobbying in the European Union.
A Trailblazer in Political Science
Professor Van Schendelen earned his PhD in Political Science from Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he laid the foundations for a rich academic journey. Over time, his research interests began to converge around the dynamics of power within political institutions, particularly within the European context. He quickly gained recognition as one of the foremost experts in the field of EU decision-making and lobbying.
His theoretical contributions revolved around understanding the „game“ of lobbying and political influence, particularly in the multi-level governance structure of the EU. He was an astute observer of how different actors, from corporations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to governments and interest groups, could wield power within the intricate frameworks of the EU.
Professor van Schendelen’s seminal work, Machiavelli in Brussels: The Art of Lobbying the EU, published in 2002, remains a landmark study of how EU lobbying works in practice. This comprehensive text deconstructed the strategies, tools, and behaviors required for influencing EU institutions and policymakers, drawing comparisons to the political strategies of Niccolò Machiavelli. In this work, Van Schendelen emphasized the importance of adapting to the constantly shifting landscape of EU governance and decision-making. His insistence on strategic flexibility, proactivity, and knowledge of the political terrain became critical pillars of his teaching and writing.
In many ways, Van Schendelen’s insights reshaped the academic study of lobbying, providing a crucial balance between normative and empirical perspectives. He illuminated how diverse interest groups and organizations use their influence in ways that are both predictable and unpredictable—using a blend of formal and informal tactics. His meticulous attention to the dynamics of policy coalitions and political alliances within the EU transformed how scholars and practitioners thought about policy advocacy in Europe.
Bridging Theory and Practice
His deep understanding of EU decision-making did not stay confined to academic journals and university lecture halls; it actively informed his engagement with practitioners, businesses, and advocacy groups.
Throughout his career, Van Schendelen was committed to helping lobbyists and public affairs professionals – both personally and professionally – navigate the labyrinthine world of European policymaking. He emphasized that lobbying in the EU was not simply about influence, but about understanding the mechanics of institutions, anticipating political shifts, and forging strategic alliances. For him, successful lobbying was an art, and the policymaking process was a game in which multiple actors pursued their interests through skill, insight, and adaptability.
His practical expertise led to numerous consulting roles for businesses, informal groups where public affairs professionals exchanged views and expertise (the so called ‘King William Circles’), industry associations like the Dutch Public Affairs Association, and public organizations looking to influence EU policy. And not only in the Netherlands—–he did so in other European member states as well.
Through his consultancy work, Van Schendelen advised on a wide range of issues, from agricultural reform to environmental regulations and market integration. He held that effective advocacy required deep preparation, robust intelligence-gathering, and sustained relationship-building with policymakers, parliamentarians, and civil servants.
For Professor van Schendelen, the EU was not merely an academic subject but an arena where real power was exercised, and where important decisions were made that affected millions of lives. His advocacy for greater transparency, strategic thinking, and practical acumen in lobbying transformed the practices of numerous organizations seeking to shape EU policy. His practical insights helped craft advocacy strategies that took into account the EU’s complex and fragmented political landscape, fostering dialogue between industry, civil society, and political actors.
Teaching and Mentorship
A dedicated educator, Professor van Schendelen’s passion for teaching left a profound impact on his students. He served as a Professor of Political Science at Erasmus University Rotterdam, where he helped build one of Europe’s most prominent programs on EU public affairs and political lobbying. Generations of students from all over Europe and beyond benefitted from his wisdom, practical advice, and encouragement to think critically about the role of power and influence in modern governance.
Van Schendelen believed that teaching should not only involve the transfer of knowledge but also the cultivation of skills necessary for real-world application. His classes were known for their rigor and emphasis on practical case studies, which allowed students to understand the nuances of political negotiation and strategy. Students recall his courses as dynamic, hands-on, and intellectually stimulating, always grounded in current events and real-world scenarios.
His mentorship extended far beyond the classroom. Van Schendelen actively supported his students in pursuing careers in EU institutions, lobbying firms, NGOs, and think tanks. He was particularly proud of the many students who went on to become successful lobbyists, policy advisors, and scholars, often remarking on how essential it was to bring academic knowledge into practical fields.
Visionary Thinker of EU Lobbying
Professor van Schendelen was often described as a visionary thinker who understood the future trajectory of European governance long before it materialized. He believed that lobbying, far from being a shadowy or ‘corrupt’ practice, was a necessary and legitimate part of the democratic process. By ensuring that diverse voices were heard, lobbying could contribute to more balanced, equitable policymaking. He pushed back against critics who saw lobbying as inherently problematic, arguing instead that it could provide valuable expertise and represent public interests that might otherwise be overlooked.
His advocacy for ethical lobbying practices was grounded in his belief that transparency and accountability were essential for democratic governance. He often spoke about the need for professionalization of the lobbying sector, urging organizations to adopt codes of conduct and invest in the training and education of their lobbyists. In this way, Van Schendelen helped professionalize the field of public affairs, making it more accessible and respected.
His work also touched on the evolving nature of political power in a globalized world. As the EU expanded and its institutions grew more complex, Van Schendelen was one of the first to recognize the importance of managing this complexity. He was a champion of multilevel governance, understanding that decision-making did not only take place at the national or supranational levels but involved a range of actors, from regional governments to international organizations.
Legacy
Rinus van Schendelen’s legacy is one of intellectual rigor, practical wisdom, and a lifelong dedication to understanding and shaping the political forces of our time. His work continues to inspire scholars, policymakers, and practitioners who seek to navigate the often opaque corridors of power in the EU. His books, articles, and teachings should and will remain influential, offering a guide to those looking to understand the intersection of theory and practice in public affairs.
Professor van Schendelen was not just an academic or a consultant; he was a Machiavellistic bridge-builder between worlds that often remain disconnected. His passing leaves a void in the world of European political science, but his contributions will endure through the countless lives he touched, the students he mentored, and the field he shaped.
Rinus van Schendelen is survived by his wife, two daughters, and grandchildren, as well as a vast community of colleagues, students, and friends who will remember him as a warm, generous, and insightful man. His impact on European public affairs will resonate for years to come, and his work will continue to guide those who seek to understand and influence the world of politics and governance.
May he rest in peace.
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