I currently work to evolve and evaluate hypotheses on how inter-ethnic relations affect the foreign policy of states. More specifically, I deal with the instances in which states intervene in other countries' civil conflicts in order to influence their outcome. Interventions in civil conflicts are often explained with reference to material factors. I aim to better understand how affective factors cause states to intervene. Does affinity between ethnic groups in civil war countries and potential interveners make intervention more likely? How do relations of power and predominance between ethnic groups in potential interveners affect foreign policy? May characteristics of ethnic groups, particularly with regard to power, explain the partiality of interventions? I have taken some preliminary analytical and empirical steps in my MA thesis, but the material is still work in progress.

I also assist with research under the project on Political Institutions, Development, and a Domestic Civil Peace, led by Håvard Hegre.