This book is based on a Ph.D. dissertation, written at the Amsterdam Center for
International Law at the University of Amsterdam. I would therefore like to thank my
two supervisors and co-supervisor. André, you were an awe-inspiring researcher to
work with and a good-humored boss to work for. I have always felt that you took my
work and opinions seriously. Yvonne, you are the mater familias of the Ph.D.
community at ACIL and I greatly appreciate all the guidance you have provided, both
in terms of content and process management. The way you combine your warm
personality with a professional attitude is a great example to me. Rosanne, your
tireless and diligent supervision have been of indescribable value to my work. I want
to thank all of my supervisors for always expressing their faith in my ability to
complete this process.
During the process of writing this book, I have enjoyed several great opportunities
to broaden my horizon to other countries, cultures, and schools of thought.
I appreciate the opportunity to have taken part in two inspiring summer programs in
human rights law at the ?bo Akademi in Turku, Finland and the European
University Institute in Florence, Italy. I also greatly enjoyed the Ph.D. program
organized by the School of Human Rights Research and am grateful for the
wonderful group of young researchers I met there. My appreciation goes out to the
Griffith University and the Asia Pacific Center for the Responsibility to Protect for a
great research visit to Brisbane, Australia. I am particularly indebted to Alex
Bellamy, for sharing his impressive knowledge and enthusiasm.