Introduction: A journey through Belgian polity, politics, and policies

Abstract This introduction makes the case for a Handbook on Belgian politics. We highlight how the study of politics, policies, and polity in Belgium can serve as an inspiration for scholars, as the Belgian case is often simultaneously at the forefront and lagging behind on key topics. The forty chapters of this Handbook are organized around five main parts. The first part covers the historical background and core features of the political system. The second examines the institutional design and its evolution. The third focuses on the main individual and collective actors. The fourth addresses major political and social challenges. Finally, the fifth part explores public policies.