The current debate around Suriname-Dutch ties predominantly focuses on the harmonious and horizontal verbalized intentions to intensify cooperation in- and outside the bilateral sphere. In this reflective note, we plea for a more critical perspective that questions the underlying reasons for and differences in the level of urgency with which both governments try to cooperate more intensively. It argues that a critical approach is necessary to ensure that both Surinamese and Dutch society do not overlook (un)intended consequences of their unbalanced relation, and neglect existing social (negative) sentiments amongst (Dutch) Surinamese communities about unresolved issues between both countries. Our hope is that the raised questions will deepen debates amongst Dutch and Surinamese citizens, politicians and policymakers, how to further build on the special connection between an old colonizer and its former colony since.
 
Lessons for practice:

• Dutch politicians and policymakers should be aware of the existing sentiments amongst (Dutch) Surinamese communities about unresolved issues between both countries in exploring cooperation.
• Providing and allowing young and older (Dutch) Surinamese generations with a voice is important to acknowledge existing social (negative) sentiments, and to make use of their ideas in exploring cooperation.

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​Keywords: transnational cooperation, diaspora policy, Suriname, the Netherlands

Citation: Van der Woerd, O. & Soekhai, V. (2021) Rethinking Suriname-Dutch ties in Uncertain Times. Public Note 8.

Oemar van der Woerd

Vikas Soekhai

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