The Crown Prince visits the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
During the visit, Crown Prince Haakon received briefings from NUPI’s researchers on several key issues, among them the situation in the Middle East.
People
On Tuesday, 3 March 2026, NUPI had the honour of welcoming His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon to our offices.
Against the backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Crown Prince spoke to the press upon arrival at Rosenkrantz’ gate:
– With the hostilities currently happening there, the situation in the Middle East is extremely grave, the Crown Prince told the NRK.
– It is important that we understand both what is happening and why it is happening. At times like these, it is essential to have strong academic communities working on these issues on a daily basis, and NUPI is one of them. So, I look forward to today’s meeting.
Director Kari M. Osland and Head of Communications Åsmund Weltzien welcomed Crown Prince Haakon to Rosenkrantz' gate 22.
Crown Prince Haakon was received by Director Kari M. Osland and Head of Communications Åsmund Weltzien before being given a tour of the premises. The Crown Prince took time to greet staff members across the different departments and was introduced to the work of NUPI’s various research groups.
Following the tour, the Crown Prince, Director Osland and several of NUPI’s researchers gathered for an academic briefing. The Crown Prince received insights into a range of current issues and ongoing research projects.
During the academic briefing, Senior Research Fellow Claudia Aanonsen discussed hybrid threats.
John Karlsrud opened with an overview of developments in Ukraine and possible pathways toward peace. Julie Wilhelmsen then examined the nature of today’s Russia, before Karsten Friis addressed the ongoing crisis of trust in the transatlantic relationship. Øyvind Svendsen discussed the potential implications of a Europe without the United States.
Security in a Norwegian context was also on the agenda. Claudia Aanonsen presented research on hybrid threats to Norwegian infrastructure, and Elana Wilson Rowe highlighted rising tensions in the Arctic.
In context of the war in Iran, Senior Research Fellow Charlotte Lysa spoke about recent developments in the Middle East after Gaza.
Senior Research Fellow Tine Gade elaborated about the situation in the Middle East.
Developments in the Middle East – which also formed the basis for the visit – received particular attention. Charlotte Lysa and Tine Gade analysed the war in Iran and regional developments in the aftermath of Gaza. Finally, Wrenn Yennie Lindgren offered perspectives on Japan’s role in foreign policy.
Senior Research Fellow Wrenn Yennie Lindgren ended the research briefs by telling the Crown Prince about Japanese foreign policy.
– With fundamental power shifts in international politics, the need for independent research and knowledge-based analysis that can distinguish what matters most from what matters less is growing, said Osland.
– We greatly appreciate that the Crown Prince has chosen to visit is. It reflects a Royal House that is committed to deepening its understanding of foreign policy and the challenges Norway faces in an increasingly unsettled world, she added.
Senior Research Fellow Andrew E. Yaw Tchie in conversation with the Crown Prince during the visit.
Senior Research Fellow Natalia Moen-Larsen greeted Crown Prince Haakon from her office.