Publications
Private infrastructure in weaponized interdependence
The ability of states to exploit private resources at an international level is an increasingly salient political issue. In explaining the mechanisms of this shift, the framework of Weaponized Interdependence has quickly risen to prominence, arguing that those states that are centrally placed in global networks can exploit their centrality given the appropriate domestic institutions. Building on this framework, I suggest that the relationship between states and the private corporations holding the resources states seek to exploit is more dynamic and contested than assumed. Drawing on developments in the industry for constructing and operating submarine cables, I find that a paradigm shift in the market has significantly limited the authority of states vis-à-vis key market players. The contribution of this finding is to expand Weaponized Interdependence as a framework, paying closer attention to the relationship between private companies and states. This expansion allows for the utilization of Weaponized Interdependence as a framework for a broader set of cases, explaining not only when a network is prone to weaponization but also the limitations states face when they seek to do so.
Dette kan være en dyrekjøpt seier eller slutten på Putins regime
This brief article sums up the first two months of the Russian military operation in Ukraine by looking at Russian original objectives and the situation on the ground by the end of April 2022.
Grappling with and Adapting to Climate Change in South Sudan
Almost a decade since the conflict in South Sudan commenced, the conflict has become further fragmented, with indiscriminate violence across the country being highly varied. Playing into these complex conflict dynamics are the impacts of climate change,which may further grievances and tensions. South Sudan is one of the countries in the world most affected by climate change. It is projected that by the mid-21st century, the Sahel band will include South Sudan. Adding to this challenge is a lack of sufficient funding, knowledge capacity and technical resources, weakening the government’s ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change, further increasing climate-related security risks
NATO’s northern flank would be more robust if Sweden and Finland join, expert says
Interview in Barents Observer with Per Erik Solli about a possible NATO membership for Finland and Sweden.
Finland and Sweden’s Path Towards NATO
The failure of deterrence and the outbreak of war in Ukraine should be a wakeup call to the Nordic governments to create a more robust and coherent deterrence and defence posture across the region. To ensure security and stability, all the states on Russia’s northwest flank must further advance the regional agenda from intertwined tactical and operational defence cooperation towards more a compelling deterrence strategy, write Per Erik Solli and Øystein Solvang.
Når byer bombes, er 90 prosent av ofrene sivile
This is an op-ed published in the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten about urban warfare.
Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet: Iraq
• Increasing temperatures, decreasing water availability and greater inter-annual variability in rainfall negatively affect agriculture, reduce household income and food availability, and exacerbate livelihood insecurity. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change, due to pre-existing gender norms and persisting inequalities. • Low agriculture yields and loss of livelihoods contribute to increased urban migration, with urban challenges including the risk of social unrest and protests in host cities. • Armed groups and militias leverage the economic hardships, further exacerbated by the compounding effects of climate change, for recruitment and support. Weak governance increases the opportunities for elite exploitation and corruption, which leads to further marginalization and exclusion that feed grievances and drive instability.
The value of diplomatic history in a changing world
This chapter argues for the value of a careful reading of diplomatic history in approaching our changing world. Diplomatic history does not hold unambiguous and clear lessons or analogies, but can alert us to both contingency and the existence of different developmental trajectories.
Frihet, sikkerhet og autonomi i skyen
Cloud computing has in under two decades moved from a niche indsutry to globe-spanning infrastructure. This chapter explores the consequences for national security, sovereignty and autonomy.
PODKAST: Slik påvirker Ukraina-krigen europeisk sikkerhetspolitikk
Pernille Rieker is a guest in the FFI podcast "Ugradert" "Russia's invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point in European history. In this episode of Ugradert, we talk to chief researcher at FFI, Bjørn Olav Knutsen, and researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Foreign Policy (Nupi) Pernille Rieker."