Publikationer

Research | Forskning

This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small s… This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small states that include: to i) acquire borrowed power (considered the status quo for Kalaallit Nunaat); ii) increase power; or iii) make do with no or inadequate power (symbolic power). The analysis concludes that as Kalaallit Nunaat navigates its defense future, it must balance its historical borrowed power with its aspiration for greater autonomy and self-determination. While geography may be destiny, Kalaallit Nunaat has more leverage or action space than either theory or the United States and Denmark consider. Læs mere

Research | Forskning - peer review

Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are… Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are eligible to take part in decision-making. But simultaneously the referendum creates an action space for the people by offering new opportunities in political economy and sometimes foreign policy but also delimiting what kind of affairs are within the bounds of this particular people’s decision-making. This article charts the consecution of referendums – actual and imagined – with a bearing on the (proto-)constitutional expansion and action space of the Greenlandic demos to tease out the empirical dynamics linking referendums at different scales of polity over time. As the article discusses relations within the Kingdom of Denmark and between referendums on European integration (in both Greenland and Denmark proper), Greenlandic decolonisation and expanding autonomy and a hypothetical future version of independence, it sheds new light on the bounded demos problematique in relation to multilevel integration/disintegration dynamics mediated by referendums. In sum, the article analyses how decisions made in one referendum by a demos bounded in one way have bearings on how other demoi are bounded in later referendums, and why this matters to the resulting action spaces for the people’s self-determination being (re-)shaped. Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Greenland, Denmark & America - a triangular relation that augurs benefits for Greenlanders. If that's the case, then... What do Greenlanders think of Mr. Trump's ideas for their island? What do Greenland's indigenous peoples & environmentalists think of America? Why did Denmark change Gree… Greenland, Denmark & America - a triangular relation that augurs benefits for Greenlanders. If that's the case, then... What do Greenlanders think of Mr. Trump's ideas for their island? What do Greenland's indigenous peoples & environmentalists think of America? Why did Denmark change Greenland's status from colony to province? Can Greenland survive economically as an independent nation? What is it like to live in Greenland? How do Greenlanders travel in Greenland? Who are Greenlanders anyway? Finally, is Greenland really that big? Læs mere

Communication | Formidling

Greenland has found itself at the center of international attention, with renewed U.S. interest, shifting power dynamics with Denmark, and a growing push for independence. Associate Professor Ebbe Volquardsen from the University of Greenland unpacks the complexities of Greenland’s evolving political… Greenland has found itself at the center of international attention, with renewed U.S. interest, shifting power dynamics with Denmark, and a growing push for independence. Associate Professor Ebbe Volquardsen from the University of Greenland unpacks the complexities of Greenland’s evolving political landscape and discusses Greenland’s strategic future amid U.S. tensions and Denmark’s stance. What lies ahead for this Arctic nation? Læs mere

Research | Forskning

This policy paper explores how the changing international security situation gives rise to hybrid threats and associated security and defence governance challenges in the North Atlantic. It foresees that hybrid threats are likely to continue to form a central aspect of security and defence issues in… This policy paper explores how the changing international security situation gives rise to hybrid threats and associated security and defence governance challenges in the North Atlantic. It foresees that hybrid threats are likely to continue to form a central aspect of security and defence issues in the region in the short-to-midterm future. Written as an anthology, this policy paper examines and assesses seven hybrid threats to the North Atlantic, which are related to cybersecurity, economic security, food security, influence campaigns, telecommunication infrastructure, fisheries, and foreign policy. Læs mere