This paper describes social and political education in the Netherlands ("maatschappijleer") since the introduction of the subject in 1968. Points discussed include historical developments, the national curriculum project for "maatschappijleer," goals and content, government educational policy, and the position of East-West relations in the curriculum. Political decisions recently taken in the Netherlands are crucial to the future development of the content and structure of education. This also is true for political education. In other European countries such as England and Scotland, there is a tendency in educational policy towards core curricula, national criteria, grade related criteria, and nationwide tests. This paper concludes with thoughts on the position and significance of East-West relations in the curriculum and suggestions for more international cooperation and coordination. (Author)