Researchers examine the consequences of the Ukraine war for the Nordic Region
The war in Ukraine has challenged the idea of Denmark and the Nordic countries as a peaceful corner of the world where war is confined to history books. The conflict has come close to home and has already reshaped security policies. But what can we learn from history as we navigate a new world order, and what impact does it have on our sense of identity? These are the key questions in this year’s research project at the Nordic Humanities Centre.
‘The topic was timely when we applied for funding for the project, and global events have only made it more relevant – tragically so,’ says Associate Professor Rasmus Glenthøj, who leads the project ‘In the Shadow of War: Denmark, the Nordic Region, and the Return of Geopolitics’ with Professor of History Rasmus Mariager.
What specific changes in Danish society indicate the return of geopolitics?
‘I think our perception of living in peaceful times has changed significantly. There’s a growing tension in our society, a military buildup, and with Sweden and Finland joining NATO, new alliance patterns have emerged,’ says Ramus Mariager. He also highlights Europe’s shift away from dependence on Russian fossil fuels as a concrete example of the changes triggered by the war in Ukraine.
What specific changes in Danish society indicate the return of geopolitics?
‘I think our perception of living in peaceful times has changed significantly. There’s a growing tension in our society, a military buildup, and with Sweden and Finland joining NATO, new alliance patterns have emerged,’ says Ramus Mariager. He also highlights Europe’s shift away from dependence on Russian fossil fuels as a concrete example of the changes triggered by the war in Ukraine.