My work focuses on the political dynamics in the Arctic / High North region, with a particular emphasis on security and geopolitics. I work on describing the complexities of cooperation and conflict in the Arctic and the interests and actions of various engaged actors (Norway, EU, USA, China), as the region is changing both physically and politically. My research also draws on Arctic experiences and case studies to understand the concept of maritime boundaries (and related disputes) more broadly, looking at the who “owns” the ocean and the geopolitical dynamics that follow.
Academic background
- Research Professor, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Oslo (since 2025)
- Senior Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Oslo (since 2019)
- Fulbright Scholar, at Harvard University & Woodrow Wilson Center (2021-2022)
- Associate Professor, Oslo New University College (responsible for course ‘Geopolitics in the Arctic’) (Since 2018)
- PhD International Relations, University of British Columbia (UBC) (2015-2019)
- Visiting researcher, Brenn School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California Santa Barbara (2019)
- Research Fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Oslo (2017-2019)
- Program Coordinator and Research Fellow, Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS), Oslo (2014-2017)
- M.Sc. European Politics and International Affairs, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (2009-2010)
- Bachelor Political Economy, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (2006-2009)
Professional experience
- Research Director Marine and Polar Issues, Fridtjof Nansen Institute (since 2025)
- Senior Advisor, High North Center, Nord University Business School, Bodø (part time), (since 2015)
- Global Fellow, Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington DC (since 2021)
- Senior Fellow, The Arctic Institute, Washington DC (since 2011)
- Acting Director, North Norway European Office, Brussels (2013)
- Advisor, North Norway European Office, Brussels (2010-2014)
- Visiting research fellow, Munk-Gordon Arctic Security Program, Toronto (2013)
- Research intern, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington DC (2011)
PROJECTS
BOOKS
PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES AND CHAPTERS
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In Øyvind Svendsen and Kristin Haugevik (eds), Dilemmaer i norsk utenrikspolitikk. Cappelen Damm Akademist, 2025, pp. 297-322. In Norwegian.
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Strategic Analysis, Vol 49, No 1, pp. 1-15.
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In K. Spohrová, D.S. Hamilton and J. Moyer (eds), Arktida a světový řád. Karolinum, 2024, pp. 357-378. In Czech.
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In Paul Midford, Jennifer Bailey, Katja Levy and Espen Moe (eds), Navigating East Asian Maritime Conflicts: Technological Change, Environmental Challenges, Global and Regional Responses. Palgrave Macmillan, 2024, pp. 127-150
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Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies, Vol 7, No 11, 2024, pp. 111-130.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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ORF Occasional Paper No. 474, April 2025, Observer Research Foundation
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The Arctic Institute, March 29, 2025.
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Aftenposten, March 28, 2025. In Norwegian.
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Avisa Nordland, March 21, 2025. In Norwegian.
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High North News, March 20, 2025.
RELATED RESEARCH AREA(S)
NEWS
- Congratulations to Andreas Østhagen – Polhøgda’s Newest Research Professor
- Fridtjof Nansen Institute at Arctic Frontiers 2025
- FNI Experts on Trump and Greenland: A Norwegian Perspective
- FNI with strong presence at Arctic Circle 2024
- Arctic Security Conference 2024 at Litteraturhuset in Oslo
IN MEDIA
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Norge bruker over en milliard på å ruste opp nærmest ubebodd øy (Norway spends over a billion to upgrade nearly uninhabited island)
NRK Nordland, June 10, 2025. In Norwegian.
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USA: Nato nær enighet om 5 prosent til forsvar (US: NATO nears 5% defence deal)
NRK Dagsnytt 18 (TV/radio), June 5, 2025. In Norwegian.
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Økende interesse for Svalbard (Growing interest in Svalbard)
NRK Helgemorgen (TV/radio), May 31, 2025. In Norwegian.
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The Svalbard Treaty: A Viable 100-Year-Old or One Foot in the Grave?
High North News, May 23, 2025.
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Tensions rise as superpowers scrap for a piece of the Arctic
BBC News, May 24, 2025. Spanish version here.