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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East Asia, Vol 41, No 1, 2024, published online 18.06.2024, 32 p. DOI: 10.1007/s12140-024-09426-y
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Marine Policy, Vol 167, available online 15.06.2024, 13 p.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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Nação e Defesa, No 167, 2024, pp. 9-27.
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Arctic Today, August 30, 2024.
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La Comunità Internazionale, Vol 28, 2024, 160 p.
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Dagens Næringsliv, July 1, 2024. In Norwegian.
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The Arctic Institute, June 25, 2024.
RELATED RESEARCH AREA(S)
IN MEDIA
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Could There be War in The Arctic? "We Should be Concerned, But Not Afraid", Says Researcher
High North News, September 11, 2024.
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Geopolitik: Kampf um Spitzbergen (Geopolitics: Battle for Svalbard)
Süddeutsche Zeitung, September 8, 2024. In German.
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Spotlight on Svalbard: Realities and myths in a microcosm of Arctic geopolitics
Polar Geopolitics (podcast). August 30, 2024.
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Myths of Svalbard Geopolitics Debunked by Researcher
High North News, August 1, 2024.
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Why Russia is planning to resurrect its ghost town on Norwegian Soil | Foreign Correspondent
ABC News In-depth (TV), July 25, 2024.