
Science & Cocktails: Is Dutch democracy at risk?
Science & Cocktails: Is Dutch democracy at risk?
Tuesday 14 April 2026
Tuesday 14 April 2026
In Tolhuistuin - Club
Doors: 19:00, Support: 19:30, Main programme: 20:30
Event in English, semi-seated
- Program is half seated, half standing
This show is part of

Kosmos
Science & Cocktails is a series of public talks by scientists with live music and smoky dry-ice chilled cocktails in your hand
- 19:00 doors open for cocktails
- 19:30 Gonzo Bimbo (live)
- 20:30 Sarah de Lange (talk)
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Is Dutch democracy at risk?
When does a liberal democracy cease to be a liberal democracy? Leaders such as Orbán, Trump, and Putin came to power through elections, yet repeatedly overstep the boundaries of the rule of law. How does a country slide from democracy into autocracy, and what can we learn from this? How can we make our own liberal democracy resilient against internal subversion, for example by far-right and populist forces? Professor of political science Sarah de Lange discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Dutch political system and explains how a resilient democracy can be designed.
About
This event is an initiative by the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (DIEP) with the support of the University of Amsterdam. Science & Cocktails Amsterdam is presented in cooperation with Paradiso Amsterdam
Line-up
Club
- Sarah de Lange
About the speaker
Sarah de Lange is Professor of Dutch Politics at the Institute of Political Science at Leiden University. Her research focuses on extreme and radical right-wing politics, and she believes that as a political scientist she has not only the task of studying democracy but also of protecting it.

About Gonzo Bimbo
Italo-Euro-Pop inspired musical and performative duo from Amsterdam. Visual artist and singer Enrica Arbia and musician Elias Elgersma (The Homesick, Huub Prins) deliver melody-driven dance grooves combined with extravagant weirdo performances that blur the line between concert and a club night. The Dutch/Italian duo performs live with a minimal amount of equipment and a maximum amount of energy, embracing spontaneity and raw intensity.
Drawing inspiration from the glossy charm of European pop, the pulse of EBM, and the moody aesthetics of 80’s new wave, their sound is a nostalgic and forward-pushing collage of synths, rhythm, and drama. Their performances are unpredictable and often infused with surreal costume elements, physical expression, and a playful sense of chaos.
Their second EP is a collection of danceable and emotionally charged tracks that set the tone for their next chapter as one of Amsterdam’s most exciting underground acts.


Gonzo Bimbo
Barbarella
How to get to Tolhuistuin
Tolhuistuin (formerly Paradiso Noord) is located at IJpromenade 2 in Amsterdam North. A free ferry runs from Amsterdam Central Station to Buiksloterweg. From there, turn left and you’ll walk straight into Tolhuistuin. For club nights, the rear entrance (Buiksloterweg 5C) is used. This entrance can be reached via Overhoeksplein
Restaurant
Tolhuistuin also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal before the show. We recommend making a reservation in advance via this website.
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