Publications

Research | Forskning - peer review

This open access volume analyses the conditions needed for greater participation of children in social change and development, focusing on Nordic countries. With the idea that citizens of future societies are best placed to envisage their ideal future, and that societies must receive children's trus… This open access volume analyses the conditions needed for greater participation of children in social change and development, focusing on Nordic countries. With the idea that citizens of future societies are best placed to envisage their ideal future, and that societies must receive children's trust and participation, the volume looks at existing social, legal, and economic norms, and discusses the various challenges at the institutional and societal levels in involving children. The contributions consider the perspective of children and of other actors in the process. The editors and authors begin with the premise that the lack of a functioning collaboration between children as actors and institutional actors who are supposed to work with/for children can lead to serious consequences, such as a lack of trust in society's representatives and in the legitimacy of legislation. The volume draws empirical evidence and discussion points from cases of children’s participation in family litigation, school regulations and related areas in various Nordic countries. It therefore shows the path to the rest of the world towards a more equitable and just future involving children’s active participation in their and society’s future. Read more

Research | Forskning

This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small s… This chapter discusses the defence futures of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) as a small state-like entity. It explores the strategic options it may have in the future in the context of international relations with the United States and Denmark drawing on Nils Ørvik’s theory for the defence of small states that include: to i) acquire borrowed power (considered the status quo for Kalaallit Nunaat); ii) increase power; or iii) make do with no or inadequate power (symbolic power). The analysis concludes that as Kalaallit Nunaat navigates its defense future, it must balance its historical borrowed power with its aspiration for greater autonomy and self-determination. While geography may be destiny, Kalaallit Nunaat has more leverage or action space than either theory or the United States and Denmark consider. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

An archaeological survey of Kitsissut, a remote island cluster in the High Arctic of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), has revealed a human pres- ence almost 4500 years ago, during the formation of a vital marine environment—Pikialasorsuaq polynya. Kitsissut is accessible only by a difficult open-water… An archaeological survey of Kitsissut, a remote island cluster in the High Arctic of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), has revealed a human pres- ence almost 4500 years ago, during the formation of a vital marine environment—Pikialasorsuaq polynya. Kitsissut is accessible only by a difficult open-water journey, and repeated occupation thus permits inferences on the sophistication of water- craft technology and navigational skill. Here, the authors argue that this demonstrable reach of Early Paleo-Inuit communities across marine and terres- trial ecosystems enhances our understanding of their lifeways and environmental legacy, raising critical new questions about Indigenous agency in shaping emerging Arctic ecosystems. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are… Referendums are used to constitute the ‘will of the people’ at a snapshot in time. At the same time, referendums are sometime constitutive of the self-determination of a people. More specifically, a referendum solidifies a certain bounding of a demos by legitimising a certain demarcation of who are eligible to take part in decision-making. But simultaneously the referendum creates an action space for the people by offering new opportunities in political economy and sometimes foreign policy but also delimiting what kind of affairs are within the bounds of this particular people’s decision-making. This article charts the consecution of referendums – actual and imagined – with a bearing on the (proto-)constitutional expansion and action space of the Greenlandic demos to tease out the empirical dynamics linking referendums at different scales of polity over time. As the article discusses relations within the Kingdom of Denmark and between referendums on European integration (in both Greenland and Denmark proper), Greenlandic decolonisation and expanding autonomy and a hypothetical future version of independence, it sheds new light on the bounded demos problematique in relation to multilevel integration/disintegration dynamics mediated by referendums. In sum, the article analyses how decisions made in one referendum by a demos bounded in one way have bearings on how other demoi are bounded in later referendums, and why this matters to the resulting action spaces for the people’s self-determination being (re-)shaped. Read more