Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer is a former NATO Secretary General and Dutch Foreign Minister. With a long and distinguished career spanning esteemed roles in public office and academia, Jaap has dedicated his life to international relations and is an expert on geopolitics and foreign affairs.

Jaap’s passion for foreign affairs began at Leiden University, where he was studying law, when a professor lecturing on transatlantic affairs inspired him to become a diplomat.  He began his career as a Civil Servant and Diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an Attaché in Ghana. Jaap then turned his focus to the world of politics and was elected as a Member of the House of Representatives in the Netherlands. His passion for foreign affairs were unwavering and while serving as a frontbencher he Chaired the Parliamentary Committees for Development Cooperation and Foreign Affairs and was a spokesperson for foreign affairs, European affairs, NATO and development aid. 

After serving as leader for the Christian Democratic Appeal Party, Jaap took on the role of Secretary General of NATO where pushed for more assistance from NATO’s European leaders in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since retiring from politics, Jaap has continued to be active in both the public and private sectors. As a Distinguished Professor at Leiden University he lectured on International Relations, Diplomatic Practice and Governmental Studies and he has sat on the Boards of many different organisations including the Friends of Europe, and the Bahrain Centre of Strategic, International and Energy Studies. 

Honoured with a Knight of the Order of the Orange-Nassau and made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to NATO, Jaap’s long and distinguished career has provided him with unparalleled experience and insights onto the geopolitical landscape. Still an active statesman, Jaap is a sought after speaker with unique perspectives on peace, law, diplomacy, security and international relations.