About Haroon
Haroon Sheikh is a Dutch philosopher, public intellectual, and policy advisor whose work focuses on the intersection of global power, international order, and emerging technologies. He combines philosophical depth with empirical research and policy experience, bridging academia, government, and the public debate.
He is a senior researcher at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) and Endowed Professor of Strategic Governance of Global Technologies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His work is widely published, internationally cited, and regularly featured in leading media.
Areas of Focus
Interconnected domains that shape our understanding of the contemporary world.
Policy, Strategy, and Public Value
European Digital Sovereignty
Philosophy of Modernity and Tradition
Digital Technologies & AI Governance
Global Order & Geopolitics
Trusted by clients
worldwide
Featured Works
Works that challenge conventional thinking and offer new perspectives on critical global issues.
Bureau Buitenland: De nieuwe wereldorde volgens Trump | NPO
Philosopher and professor Haroon Sheikh has just returned from a study trip through the United States. He will speak about the new U.S. foreign policy and outline, on the world map, the contours of the emerging new world order. This appearance connects geopolitics and the new world order.
Brainwash Festival 2024: Benjamín Labatut & Haroon Sheikh — Genius & Madness
A wide-ranging conversation on science, artificial intelligence, rationality, and the fragile boundary between genius and madness. This talk connects philosophy, literature, and technology, and is highly accessible to a broad audience.
Together with Haroon Sheikh, Parag Khanna explores what shifts happen in international relations, trade agreements, migration policy and tech collaborations. This talk connects philosophy, literature, and technology, and is highly accessible to a broad audience.
Podcast:WW3 3, Dangers of AI, China, Power of Big Tech and more
In this episode, philosopher Haroon Sheikh explores the defining issues of our time. He delves into social pressure and silence, Elon Musk’s vision of the future, and the growing power of Silicon Valley. The podcast examines the rising influence of AI companies and the impact of AI and AGI on the global order, focusing on the increasing rivalry between China and the West.
Lecture Spinoza Day 2025: Power and Law in a Fragmenting World Order in Paradiso
A keynote lecture on the changing relationship between power, politics, and law in an increasingly fragmented global system. Sheikh reflects on sovereignty, international order, and the limits of legal frameworks in times of geopolitical transformation. Highly relevant for policymakers, legal professionals, and international institutions.
Panel talk: Haroon Sheikh, Ruth Mampuys, Franco Algieri: On Security Policy in a Fragmenting World Order
In this episode, Eva Nowotny is joined by Prof. Haroon Sheikh, Dr. Ruth Mampuys, and Franco Algieri for an in-depth discussion on security policy in a fragmenting world order. Drawing on their report The Netherlands in a Fragmenting World Order, the panel explores the shifting geopolitical landscape and examines what these changes mean for national and international security strategies