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
- 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
- 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 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.
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Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies, Vol 7, No 11, 2024, pp. 111-130.
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East Asia, Vol 41, No 1, 2024, published online 18.06.2024, 32 p. DOI: 10.1007/s12140-024-09426-y
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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The Arctic Institute, January 10, 2025.
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Aftenposten, January 8, 2025. In Norwegian.
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The Arctic Institute, December 11, 2024.
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FNI-rapport 7/2024. Lysaker, FNI, 2024, 55 p. In Norwegian.
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Nação e Defesa, No 167, 2024, pp. 9-27.
RELATED RESEARCH AREA(S)
IN MEDIA
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Halfwit lawmaker says Russia should take over Svalbard
The Barents Observer, January 16, 2025.
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Svalbard og Grønland: – Ei søkt sammenligning (Svalbard and Greenland: 'A Far-Fetched Comparison')
Svalbardposten, January 16, 2025. In Norwegian.
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Russisk parlamentariker ønsker base på Svalbard: – Idiotisk, mener forsker (Russian parliamentarian wants base on Svalbard: – 'Idiotic,' Says Researcher)
Aftenposten, January 15, 2025. In Norwegian.
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Die Angst der Skandinavier: Trump könnte mit Putin in der Arktis gemeinsame Sache machen (Scandinavians Fear Trump-Putin Cooperation in the Arctic)
MSN Germany, January 15, 2025. In German.
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Trump Is Not Joking : The “Great Game” Of 21st Century Has Begun; US, China, Russia To Clash Over Arctic
The EurAsian Times, January 14, 2025.