With Pakistani\u2013Surinamese roots, Haroon Sheikh\u2019s work is characterised by a broad, multidisciplinary orientation. He draws on philosophy, political science, governance studies and technology research, connecting abstract thinking with concrete analysis. A distinctive feature of his work is his ability to productively combine orthodox and unorthodox intellectual traditions, and to move fluently between theory and practice.<\/p>\n
Sheikh is Senior Researcher and Project Coordinator at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR). In this role, he advises the Dutch government, ministers, parliament and the National Security Council on strategic issues related to artificial intelligence, international order and emerging technologies. His position places him at the heart of long-term policy thinking on some of the most pressing questions facing governments today.<\/p>\n
In addition, Sheikh is Endowed Professor of Strategic Governance of Global Technologies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he teaches and conducts research at the intersection of philosophy, technology and governance. He holds a PhD in Philosophy, as well as Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees in Philosophy, Political Science and Public Administration.<\/p>\n
Alongside his academic and policy work, Sheikh plays an active role in the public conversation. He has published extensively in national and international media, scientific journals, and professional publications. has contributed to television programmes such as Het Filosofisch Kwintet<\/em> and Brainwash<\/em>.<\/p>\n My aim in public engagements are not to simplify complexity, but to make complexity intelligible.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Haroon Sheikh is an experienced and sought-after speaker for academic, governmental and corporate audiences. His lectures connect philosophy, geopolitics and technology to contemporary challenges, offering intellectually rigorous yet accessible perspectives that resonate across sectors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With Pakistani\u2013Surinamese roots, Haroon Sheikh\u2019s work is characterised by a broad, multidisciplinary orientation. He draws on philosophy, political science, governance studies and technology research, connecting abstract thinking with concrete analysis. A distinctive feature of his work is his ability to productively combine orthodox and unorthodox intellectual traditions, and to move fluently between theory and practice. 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He combines philosophical depth with empirical research and policy experience, bridging academia, government, and public debate.","sa_one_liner":"Author | Philosopher | Public Intellectual | Policy Advisor","sa_name_title":"prof. dr. ","sa_region":[],"sa_degree":"","sa_stars":"","sa_maglr_ids":null,"sa_publications":null,"sa_socials":null,"sa_subjects":[{"sa_subjects_title":"Technology, Geopolitics & the Future of Our Societies","sa_subjects_information":"Understand and navigate the deep transformations shaping our world.\r\n\r\nSheikh connects digital technology, geopolitics, AI, and public values into clear insights that support informed decisions and long-term resilience. Drawing on academic research, European policy processes, and real-world case studies, he offers clarity in times of uncertainty - and perspective across sectors."},{"sa_subjects_title":"Digital Power & Societal Resilience","sa_subjects_information":"From digital infrastructure to shared strategic choices.\r\n\r\nThe digital world is built in layers \u2014 from chips and networks to cloud, platforms, data, and AI. Sheikh shows where Europe stand, where dependencies and vulnerabilities arise, and how societies, public institutions, and organizations can strengthen digital resilience and sovereignty."},{"sa_subjects_title":"AI Governance & Public Values","sa_subjects_information":"Innovation with responsibility and trust.\r\n\r\nAI brings major opportunities, but also raises questions about transparency, accountability, and public values. Based on academic research, WRR projects, and European initiatives (including MSI-AI), Sheikh explores how governance frameworks can guide responsible AI adoption across public and private sectors."},{"sa_subjects_title":"Geopolitics After Globalization","sa_subjects_information":"Navigating a world of shifting power.\r\n\r\nThe global order is changing. Power blocs, trade routes, and norms are in flux.\r\nSheikh explains how developments such as US\u2013China rivalry, BRICS dynamics, and Eurasian connections affect economies, security, and societal choices \u2014 and what this means at local, national, and sectoral levels."},{"sa_subjects_title":"Hydropolitics: Power, Cooperation, and the Seas","sa_subjects_information":"From energy and logistics to data and security.\r\n\r\nCompetition and cooperation at sea shape energy systems, supply chains, ports, and digital infrastructure. Sheikh highlights the implications for maritime regions, energy transition, logistics, and industrial development, and how public and private actors can anticipate change."},{"sa_subjects_title":"The Rise of the East","sa_subjects_information":"Innovation, ideas, and new models of governance.\r\n\r\nAsia is shaping the future not only through products, but through ideas, innovation systems, and governance approaches. Sheikh explores what European societies and organizations can learn from Eastern perspectives \u2014 and how this can inspire renewal and cooperation."}],"sa_faq_items":null,"sa_minimum_price":"","sa_maximum_price":"","sa_banner_image_id":78632,"sa_videos":[{"sa_video_title":"Haroon Sheikh, Ruth Mampuys, Franco Algieri: SECURITY POLICY IN A FRAGMENTING WORLD ORDER","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IJ8BY_jZCik"},{"sa_video_title":"Brainwash Festival 2024: Benjam\u00edn Labatut & Haroon Sheikh - Genius & Madness","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sid9j8ONFYY"},{"sa_video_title":"Brainwash Festival 2025: Parag Khanna & Haroon Sheikh - Who Run The World","sa_video_embed":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e8lQkU6DE2c"}]},"yoast_head":"\n