In today’s society, we face a continuous stream of new threats, such as disinformation and radicalisation. These challenges are often difficult to tackle and may require swift action. However, it is not always clear who should take responsibility or which measures are most appropriate.
These issues form the focus of research for Senior University Lecturer Sebastian Godenhjelm and his team.
The project ‘Governance and resilience under antagonistic threats in the NB8 region in times of complex crisis’ (KOMKRIS) investigates how the Nordic and Baltic countries can better anticipate and address a range of threats and crises, including through collaboration between public authorities and civil society.
“By analysing the way these countries define and respond to problems, the scope of action open to public authorities, and the stakeholders involved in different approaches, we can better understand and prepare for emerging crises,” says Godenhjelm.
KOMKRIS brings together researchers from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Estonia. Godenhjem believes this collaboration provides excellent conditions for generating new knowledge that is relevant to not only the participating countries but also others beyond northern Europe.
Kickstarting Nordic cooperation
Nordic cooperation is currently high on the agenda and has long been of interest to Godenhjelm. He is excited about the chance to work with prominent researchers from universities in the three Nordic countries as well as two in Estonia.
“I hope and will work hard to ensure that the project kickstarts broader Nordic cooperation, in which the Swedish School of Social Science can play a central role.”
The project comprises four work packages that build on one another and deepen knowledge of the subject. As project leader, Godenhjelm is involved to some extent in each package.
Godenhjelm himself will focus on the regulatory mechanisms governing crisis preparedness in the different countries, and on how interaction between various actors is carried out in practice.
High expectations
Godenhjelm hopes the project will generate results that help build better societies. This includes developing concrete and practically useful interdisciplinary expertise in hybrid crisis management.
The project also seeks to increase understanding and knowledge of how hostile threats can be detected in advance and effectively managed, enhancing societal resilience.
“We wish to create innovative approaches to address complex societal challenges as they emerge, without compromising basic democratic principles.”
The project also aims to develop teaching in the field and provide Nordic students with access to the research results, so they can better understand and analyse antagonistic threats from a societal perspective.
Godenhjelm notes that the issues are serious and expectations high.
“At the same time, it is important to enjoy the work and take full advantage of the unique opportunity our research team has been given with NordForsk funding.”