Researcher
Kristian Lefdal
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Summary
Kristian Lefdal is a Junior Research Fellow in the Research group on Peace, Conflict, and Development (PCAD). In 2024 he completed his Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies (M.Phil) at the University of Oslo. His thesis, “Unpacking the Contemporary Coup Wave in the Sahel: A Case Study of Coups d’état in Mali & Niger 2020-2023”, investigated the military coup wave phenomenon in the Sahel and exposed several key factors that induced the coups in the two Francophone cases. Kristian suggests that the resurgence of unconstitutional incumbent ouster in the Sahel demands to be comprehended in their domestic political contexts in order to grasp why putschists prove to succeed their coup attempts – contrasted to preceding trends.
His research interests cover a wide range of topics, including West African politics, geopolitics, Russia-Africa relations, state-building, colonial history, peace and reconciliation, political institutions, and political party systems.
Currently, Kristian is engaged in the project Re-Engaging with Neighbours in a State of War and Geopolitical Tensions, and works with Sahelian-related topics.
Expertise
Education
2022-2024 Master (M.Phil) in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Oslo
2019-2022 Bachelor’s in political science, University of Agder
Work Experience
2024- Junior Research Fellow, NUPI
2023-2024 Research Assistant, University of Oslo
2023 Intern, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Aktivitet
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Re-Engaging with Neighbours in a State of War and Geopolitical Tensions (RE-ENGAGE)
RE-ENGAGE’s overarching ambition is to assist the EU in refining its foreign policy toolbox, including its enlargement and neighbourhood policies. This will enhance the Union’s geopolitical leverage a...
Research group for Peace, Conflict and Development
Research group for Peace, Conflict and Development