Master’s students contribute to NUPI’s research

This spring, four master’s students have been affiliated with NUPI as part of their studies. Over the course of the semester, they have contributed to ongoing research projects across a range of thematic areas, delivering insightful and timely work.

Caroline, Edel, Ole and Vilde have worked on topics including peace negotiations, cybersecurity, transnational repression and nation-building in times of war. Each student was connected to a research group at NUPI and has stood out for their academic engagement and professionalism.

Highlights from their theses

• Caroline, affiliated with the peace, conflict and development (PCAD) research group, wrote her thesis on women’s roles in peace negotiations in South Sudan and Colombia. Her study shows how women introduced gendered and rights-based perspectives – formally in Colombia, and through more informal channels in South Sudan.
• Edel, part of the security and defence (SECDEF) group, explored how artificial intelligence can strengthen national security in the energy sector. Through three case studies, she identified key factors for the successful integration of AI into critical infrastructure.
• Ole, affiliated with the Russia, Asia and international trade (RAIT) group, examined Russian transnational repression and its impact on opposition communities outside the country, focusing on Norway and Georgia. Based on interviews with activists, journalists, politicians and human rights defenders, he sheds light on how the Russian state seeks to silence dissent beyond its own borders.
• Vilde, also with RAIT, studied how experiences of sexual and reproductive violence in Ukraine have shaped national identity. Drawing on media analysis and interviews, her thesis introduces the concept of necronationalism – a form of nationalism shaped by violence perceived as targeting a nation’s reproductive and sexual capacities.

NUPI regularly welcomes master’s students as part of its efforts to support knowledge exchange and academic development. We thank this year’s students for their strong contributions and wish them all the best for the future – whether in academia, public service or other fields.

You can read more about NUPI’s master's student positions here.