New project explores how the Crimean War shaped Scandinavia

The war in Ukraine has shown how the ideologies and geopolitics of the 19th century have returned as the international order created after the Cold War is crumbling. We now see a world order characterised by multipolarity, rivalry, nationalism, imperialism and realpolitik. And for the first time since the Crimean War, the Nordic countries are following the same security policy line.

Sources suggest plans for a Greater Scandinavia

Despite the clear parallels between the past and the present, the Crimean War and its impact on Scandinavia has never been properly analysed, especially from a transnational and international perspective. This project will therefore explore how nationalism, politics and war merged in Scandinavia during these years when the three countries were trying to navigate an international system undergoing fundamental ideological and political changes. And where, as some sources might suggest, plans may have been made for a new Greater Scandinavian empire!

With this grant, Rasmus Glenthøj hopes to shed new light on an important but overlooked period in Scandinavian history and contribute to a better understanding of how past events continue to influence today's political landscape.

Read more and see all research projects that have received a Research Project2 grant in 2025 on DFF's website.