Samenvatting

The rule of law is under pressure. This development not only has far-reaching political and social consequences, but it also raises questions about the way in which scholars study the rule of law. Numerous books have been written about the rule of law, but despite all these studies (mostly in law and legal theory), we have not yet been able to explain the growing trend of rule of law erosion. This contribution therefore outlines some suggestions for a new – empirical – research agenda that aims to better understand the current developments and offers concrete starting points for policies aimed at strengthening the rule of law.