Forskningsområder

NATO, geopolitics, changing character of war, defense and deterrence, security partnership, NATO-EU-UN relations, crisis management 

Research & Expertise

War, Alliances (NATO), Geopolitics, and the Future of Security 

I explore how states cooperate—or fail to—to manage conflict, deter aggression, and shape global security. My work sits at the intersection of War Studies and policy relevance, with a focus on NATO as the linchpin of transatlantic security. In an era of Russian revisionism, southern instability, and China’s global rise, NATO’s ability to adapt is more critical than ever.

My research asks: How does NATO’s past inform its response to today’s challenges? Can it balance deterrence in Europe with global responsibilities? Can it overcome the challenge of shifting transatlantic burden-sharing?

Current Projects

• NATO’s Past and Future: My book on NATO (Yale University Press, 2024 & 2025) is a steppingstone for my continuing examination of the geopolitical conditions for transatlantic security cooperation.
• Bridging the Gap: Why does security scholarship often shy away from policy engagement? I investigate the barriers—and opportunities—for making academic insights actionable.

My work is problem-driven, conceptual, and historical, always with an eye on real-world impact. I believe scholarship should:

• Tackle big questions rooted in societal challenges.
• Refine key concepts to sharpen analysis.
• Learn from history to illuminate today’s politics.
• Engage policymakers with clear, actionable insights.

Publications & Impact I prioritize books as a medium for deep exploration. My NATO in Afghanistan (Stanford, 2012) was named an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice. I’ve also published with Yale, Cambridge, Brookings, Palgrave, and Routledge. For shorter, sharper analysis, I contribute to journals like International Affairs, Survival, and Journal of Strategic Studies—and I’m always eager to write policy briefs and op-eds that reach beyond academia.

Leadership. I serve as the Director of the Danish Institute of Advanced Study at the University of Southern Denmark. Throughout my career I have combined original research and research leadership:

• Center for War Studies at the University of Southern Denmark: I founded CWS in 2011 and directed it until 2019
• Vice-Dean and interim Dean of Social Sciences: I served in these leadership positions for three years, 2019-2022.
• Visiting Researcher: I have been a visiting researcher at American University’s School of International Service (2017), the NATO Defence College (2012), and a Non-Resident Associate Fellow at the NATO Defence College (2019-2023).
• Advisory roles: I have participated in Danish and Norwegian government commissions.