The mandate of Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as the eleventh Secretary General of NATO began on 5 January 2004, marking a shift toward increased focus on international security operations in Afghanistan. Born in 1948 in Amsterdam, he built a career as a Dutch jurist and diplomat, moving from domestic governance into the complex machinery of global military alliances.
Early Career and Diplomatic Service
After graduating from Leiden University with a Master of Laws degree, de Hoop Scheffer served in the Royal Netherlands Air Force as a Second lieutenant from 1974 until 1976. He subsequently joined the diplomatic service, working as an attaché in Accra, Ghana, and later as part of the Netherlands delegation to NATO in Brussels. These formative years established his expertise in international relations and government administration.
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De Hoop Scheffer entered the House of Representatives of the Netherlands in 1986 following his election. Over the next sixteen years, he emerged as a prominent figure, chairing parliamentary committees on foreign affairs and development cooperation. He led the Christian Democratic Appeal from 1997 to 2001. In 2002, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role he maintained until 2003, during which he oversaw the Dutch policy regarding the occupation of Iraq.
Leadership at NATO
Appointed Secretary General in September 2003, de Hoop Scheffer assumed the leadership of NATO the following January. Throughout his five-year tenure, he advocated for expanded operational commitments, specifically urging member nations to provide greater support to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He also highlighted the necessity of protecting critical energy infrastructure and maritime routes against modern security threats.
Post-Political Contributions
Upon retiring from active politics at 61, de Hoop Scheffer transitioned into academia and advisory roles. From 2009 until 2014, he held the position of distinguished professor of international relations at Leiden University. He has since continued to serve as a statesman, frequently providing commentary on European integration and Transatlantic relations while maintaining a connection to his alma mater as a Distinguished Fellow.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Amsterdam
- Secretary General of NATO: 2004–2009
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: 2002–2003
- Member of House of Representatives: 1986–2002
- Education: Leiden University, Ignatius Gymnasium
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Language: Dutch
- Title: Minister of State (granted 2018)
Questions readers ask
What major military operation did de Hoop Scheffer support as Foreign Minister?
He provided political support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and deployed 1,100 Dutch servicemen to the Al Muthanna province.
What academic role did he take after leaving NATO?
He served as a distinguished professor of International Relations, Diplomatic Practice and Governmental Studies at Leiden University from 2009 to 2014.
Achievements
- Secretary General of NATO (2004–2009)
- member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands (1986–2002)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002–2003)
- substitute member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (1987–1991)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau — 2009
- Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class — 2004
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania — 2004
- Grand Order of King Tomislav
- Educated at Leiden University and Ignatius Gymnasium
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