Kristian Stokke

• Stokke, Kristian & Kyaw, Nyi Nyi (2024). Revolutionary resistance against full autocratization. Actors and strategies of resistance after the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. Political Geography. ISSN 0962-6298. 108. doi: 10.1016/j.polgeo.2023.103011. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Resistance against autocratization is an important contemporary issue that calls for increased scholarly attention. The global wave of autocratization has generated a proliferation of research on the drivers of autocratization, but fewer studies on the possibilities, strategies, spatialities, and effectiveness of resistance. This article responds to these knowledge needs through a case study of revolutionary resistance against full autocratization in Myanmar after the 2021 military coup. The article examines the junta's strategies for autocratic control, trace the development of the resistance movement and analyze its strategies, spatialities and effectiveness. The article shows that the coup has been followed by a mass resistance movement that is remarkably successful in countering the regime strategies for authoritarian consolidation and survival. We argue that this effectiveness rests on the movement's ability to deploy mutually reinforcing strategies of economic, symbolic, political, and armed resistance to contest the military's claims on state authority, legitimacy, economic resources, and monopoly of armed force. The Myanmar case thus confirms the centrality of civil resistance under full autocratization, but also points to the importance of insurgent political institutions and armed resistance to counter authoritarian repression, legitimation, and co-optation strategies. The case study also shows that the spatialities of resistance strategies – being both embedded in places and territories and extended through spatial networks and scalar strategies – are key contributors to the effectiveness of the movement. This broad mobilization behind a common revolutionary goal offers the best prospect for defeating military dictatorship in Myanmar and provides relevant lessons for similar cases elsewhere.

• Yssen, Selma Sofia Forfod & Stokke, Kristian (2024). Resisting autocratization? Civil society’s response to the autocratic turn in Tunisia. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 78(4), p. 234–248. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2024.2424943. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The contemporary rise of autocratization calls for increased attention to the role of civil society in resisting authoritarianism. While the literature on autocratization is growing, there are fewer analyses of the dynamics of civil society resistance. The purpose of the article is to address this knowledge gap through a contextual case study of civil society responses to autocratization in Tunisia. Through a relational analysis of autocratization and resistance, the authors show that Tunisia’s autocratization process was met with resistance but not in the form of a broad-based and forceful resistance movement. The response can instead be characterized as being relatively slow, soft, and fragmented. This finding may be explained with reference to civil society fragmentation and state co-optation, resentments against the democratic system and political elite that emerged from the Arab Spring, and the incremental but swift changes that characterized the autocratization process. The authors conclude that the Tunisian case highlights the need for analytical attention to the question of civil society responses to autocratization but challenges simplistic assumptions about politically unified and effective resistance movements. This in turn calls for further contextual, comparative, and conceptual research on the varieties of resistance against autocratization in different political and societal contexts.

• Stokke, Kristian (2023). Myanmar: Autokratisering og ny kamp for reelt demokrati. In Bye, Vegard & Törnquist, Olle (Ed.), Gjenreising av det globale fellesskapet: Hvor ble det av solidariteten?. Forlaget Kolon. ISSN 9788230026229. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2023). Civil society and the contentious politics of democratization and autocratization in Myanmar. In Hansson, Eva & Weiss, Meredith L (Ed.), Routledge Handbook of Civil and Uncivil Society in Southeast Asia. Routledge. ISSN 9780367422011. p. 118–138. doi: 10.4324/9780367422080-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Hiariej, Eric (2022). Conclusion: The Continued Need for Transformative Politics of Citizenship. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), The Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Springer Nature. ISSN 9789811679544. p. 255–260. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This book highlights the gains that a citizenship approach offers to the study of democracy in Indonesia, demonstrating that the struggle for citizenship and the historical development of democracy in the country are closely interwoven. The book arises from a research agenda aiming to help Indonesia’s democracy activists by unpacking citizenship as it is produced and practiced through movements against injustice, taking the shape of struggles by people at grassroots levels for cultural recognition, social and economic injustice, and popular representation. Such struggles in Indonesia have engaged with the state through both discursive and non-discursive processes. The authors show that while the state is the common focal point, these struggles are fragmented across different sectors and subject positions. The authors thus propose that developing chains of solidarity is highly important to motivating a democracy that not only has sovereign control over public affairs, but also robust channels and organisations for political representation. In advocating the development of transformative agendas, organisations, and strategies as an important need, and an enduring challenge, for the realization of citizenship, this book is timely and relevant to the study of contemporary Indonesia's socio-political landscape. It is relevant to students and scholars in political science, anthropology, sociology, human geography and development studies.

• Stokke, Kristian; Kham, Klo Kwe Moo; Nge, Nang K.L. & Kvanvik, Silje Hvilsom (2022). Illiberal peacebuilding in a hybrid regime. Authoritarian strategies for conflict containment in Myanmar. Political Geography. ISSN 0962-6298. 93. doi: 10.1016/j.polgeo.2021.102551. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The post-Cold War period has seen the rise of international liberal peacebuilding, as an overarching framework for international interventions in intrastate conflicts. In contrast, the current period is marked by decline of liberal peacebuilding, and a simultaneous rise of domestic illiberal peacebuilding. This has created a gap between the predominant theoretical and policy framework and the actual form of peacebuilding in many conflict-ridden societies. The present article addresses this challenge through a contextual case study of illiberal peacebuilding in Myanmar. The case study shows how a dominant state actor – the military (Tatmadaw) – has used both coercion and co-optation to contain armed resistance against militarized and centralized statebuilding and thereby strengthen the state's territorial control and authority. While the SLORC/SPDC military junta (1988–2011) sought to contain ethnic armed organizations through military offensives, ceasefire agreements and illiberal peacebuilding, the military based USDP-government (2011–2015) institutionalized a hybrid regime as a framework for political transformation of EAOs, and tolerated a degree of dual territorial, administrative and resource control at the local scale. These clientelist measures failed to address the substantive issues behind Myanmar's multiple and protracted conflicts. They were also combined with military offensives against non-ceasefire groups and war by other means in ceasefire areas. Moreover, the case study demonstrates that the Tatmadaw used its tutelary power to obstructs substantive conflict resolution through negotiated state reforms. Myanmar's peace initiatives during the last three decades should thus be understood as illiberal strategies for containing ethnic armed organizations rather than attempts at substantive conflict resolution.

• Stokke, Kristian (2022). Politics of Citizenship: Towards an Analytical Framework. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), The Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Springer Nature. ISSN 9789811679544. p. 17–39. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This book highlights the gains that a citizenship approach offers to the study of democracy in Indonesia, demonstrating that the struggle for citizenship and the historical development of democracy in the country are closely interwoven. The book arises from a research agenda aiming to help Indonesia’s democracy activists by unpacking citizenship as it is produced and practiced through movements against injustice, taking the shape of struggles by people at grassroots levels for cultural recognition, social and economic injustice, and popular representation. Such struggles in Indonesia have engaged with the state through both discursive and non-discursive processes. The authors show that while the state is the common focal point, these struggles are fragmented across different sectors and subject positions. The authors thus propose that developing chains of solidarity is highly important to motivating a democracy that not only has sovereign control over public affairs, but also robust channels and organisations for political representation. In advocating the development of transformative agendas, organisations, and strategies as an important need, and an enduring challenge, for the realization of citizenship, this book is timely and relevant to the study of contemporary Indonesia's socio-political landscape. It is relevant to students and scholars in political science, anthropology, sociology, human geography and development studies.

• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2022). Introduction: Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), The Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Springer Nature. ISSN 9789811679544. p. 1–16. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This book highlights the gains that a citizenship approach offers to the study of democracy in Indonesia, demonstrating that the struggle for citizenship and the historical development of democracy in the country are closely interwoven. The book arises from a research agenda aiming to help Indonesia’s democracy activists by unpacking citizenship as it is produced and practiced through movements against injustice, taking the shape of struggles by people at grassroots levels for cultural recognition, social and economic injustice, and popular representation. Such struggles in Indonesia have engaged with the state through both discursive and non-discursive processes. The authors show that while the state is the common focal point, these struggles are fragmented across different sectors and subject positions. The authors thus propose that developing chains of solidarity is highly important to motivating a democracy that not only has sovereign control over public affairs, but also robust channels and organisations for political representation. In advocating the development of transformative agendas, organisations, and strategies as an important need, and an enduring challenge, for the realization of citizenship, this book is timely and relevant to the study of contemporary Indonesia's socio-political landscape. It is relevant to students and scholars in political science, anthropology, sociology, human geography and development studies.

• Stokke, Kristian (2020). Political representation through ethnic parties? Electoral performance and party-building processes among ethnic parties in Myanmar. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs. ISSN 1868-1034. doi: 10.1177/1868103419893530. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  What is the role of political representation by ethnic parties in a multi-ethnic state that has undergone a transition from military rule, and is seeking to resolve protracted intrastate conflicts? The present article examines this question through a contextual case study of ethnic parties in Myanmar – a state that is characterised by unresolved ethnic grievances and conflicts; a political transition that has created new opportunities for ethnic representation; and multiple ethnic parties making representative claims on behalf of ethnic groups. Based on a mixed methods approach, the article documents that ethnic parties have been relatively ineffective in ensuring formal and descriptive representation and have had limited possibilities for substantive representation of ethnic interests. The article also identifies key explanations for the weak electoral performance of ethnic parties, emphasising party fragmentation and vote-splitting as well as weak party institutionalisation and limited capacity to make representative claims. Finally, the article analyses strategies for party-building, in preparation for the 2020 election. Based on the common emphasis on vote-splitting, most ethnic states have seen initiatives to merge parties, while a few parties have also sought to develop their political platform and sector policies. The article concludes that ethnic parties may gain improved formal representation after the next election but questions about the parties’ capacity for substantive representation remains. The 2020 election will thus be a new test for how ethnic voters see themselves best represented, in the light of competing representative claims and past experiences: by ethnic parties or non-ethnic democracy parties?

• Stokke, Kristian (2020). Myanmar. In Haynes, Jeffrey (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook to Religion and Political Parties. Routledge. ISSN 9781138500464. p. 154–168. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Myanmar is characterized by a puzzling paradox when it comes to the relationship between religions and political parties: While religions, especially Theravada Buddhism, are omnipresent in society and frame politics in multiple and contentious ways, the reintroduction of electoral politics has not been followed by the formation of religious parties or major party-driven politicisation of religious identities and interests. Although religious beliefs and belongings are parts of politics in a broad sense, the links between religions and political parties seem relatively weak and are difficult to discern. This chapter provides tentative analytical reflections on this conundrum. The first section reviews the reintroduction of electoral democracy and party-politics, with special attention to the character of parties and the party system, and their links to religion. Thereafter, the attention turns to how the majority religion (Theravada Buddhism) frames democratic politics and is a basis for contentions over the relationship between Buddhism and politics. The chapter concludes with brief reflections on the increased role of religion in electoral competition and how this may be furthered or ameliorated in future elections.

• Stokke, Kristian & Aung, Soe Myint (2019). Transition to democracy or hybrid regime? The dynamics and outcome of democratization in Myanmar. European Journal of Development Research. ISSN 0957-8811. doi: 10.1057/s41287-019-00247-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article analyzes Myanmar’s transition from authoritarianism and asks if it represents a transition towards democracy or a hybrid form of rule. Starting from theoretical debates about modes of transition, the article examines competing discourses on Myanmar’s opening and argues that it resembles an imposed more than a negotiated transition. Next, the article analyzes the links between this mode of transition and its outcomes, and finds that contemporary Myanmar is characterized by a combination of formal institutions for democratic representation, civilian government, and power-sharing, and problems of weak popular representation, limited civilian control of the military, and continued centralization of state authority. The article concludes that Myanmar’s political trajectory remains open-ended, but also that Myanmar, at least for the time being, seems more accurately described as a relatively stable hybrid regime than as a country that is in transition to democracy.

• Stokke, Kristian (2018). Democratization in the Global South: From democratic transitions to transformative democratic politics. Geography Compass. doi: 10.1111/gec3.12412. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Democracy has attained a hegemonic position both as a normative ideal and as the dominant form of government, but there are growing concerns about democratic decline and crisis. The numerical growth of democracies has slowed down, and there have been some reversals from democratic to authoritarian rule in recent years. Nevertheless, the primary concern is about the substance of formal democracies, especially as recent democratic transitions have tended to produce depoliticized democracies and hybrid forms of rule rather than substantive democracy. This article uses the growth and decline of democracy as an occasion to review the current state of democracy in the world, discusses the links between the modality of democratic transition and problems of post‐transition democratic substance, and examines competing approaches to democratic deepening. A case is made for shifting the perspective on democratization, from democratic transitions to the open‐ended politics of substantial democratization. This means that the analytical approach should be broadened from elitist institutional design for electoral democracy to transformative democratic politics. The article presents this line of argument and provides brief illustrations based on recent transitions in the Global South.

• Stokke, Kristian (2018). Politik Kewargaan: Keranka Analisis. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Politik Kewargaan di Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISSN 9786024336028. p. 23–56. Full text in Research Archive
• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2018). Pendahuluan: Politik Kewargaan di Indonesia. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Politik Kewargaan di Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISSN 9786024336028. p. 1–22. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2017). Nation-State. In Richardson, Douglas (Eds.), The International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment, and Technology. John Wiley & Sons. ISSN 9780470659632. p. 1–6. doi: 10.1002/9781118786352.wbieg0736. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Representing the definitive reference work for this broad and dynamic Field, The International Encyclopedia of Geography arises from an unprecedented collaboration between Wiley and the American Association of Geographers to review and define the concepts, research, and techniques in geography and interrelated fields.It will be available as a robust online resource and as a 15-volume full-color print set. Features more than 1,000 entries ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 words, offering accessible introductions to basic concepts, sophisticated explanations of complex topics, and information on geographical societies around the world. Assembles a truly global group of more than 900 scholars hailing from over 40 countries, for a comprehensive, authoritative overview of geography around the world. Provides definitive coverage of the field, encompassing human geography, physical geography, geographic information science and systems, earth studies, and environmental science. Brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on geographical topics and techniques across the social sciences, humanities, science, and medicine.

• Stokke, Kristian & Hiariej, Eric (2017). Conclusion: The Continued Need for Transformative Politics of Citizenship. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISSN 9786024335076. p. 339–345. Full text in Research Archive
• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Introduction: Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISSN 9786024335076. p. 1–21. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2017). Politics of Citizenship: Towards an Analytical Framework. In Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISSN 9786024335076. p. 23–53. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2017.1369454. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2017). Politics of citizenship: Towards an analytical framework. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 71(4), p. 193–207. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2017.1369454. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In the theory-oriented article, the author discusses the meaning of politics of citizenship. He argues that a broad conception of citizenship may provide an integral framework for studying political contentions over cultural, legal, social and political exclusion and inclusion. He starts out from an identification of four key dimensions of citizenship and defines politics of citizenship as contentious interactions over the institutionalisation and realisation of substantive membership, legal status, rights and participation. This is followed by a review of cultural and global turns within the liberal nation-state model of citizenship, demonstrating that the form and substance of citizenship reflect contextual power relations and political contentions. Following from this observation, he discusses the issues at stake in citizenship politics, with special attention to three interrelated dimensions: politics of recognition for cultural inclusion, politics of redistribution for social justice, and politics of representation for political inclusion. This discussion points to fundamental tensions and strategic dilemmas, but also to points of convergence around affirmative and transformative remedies for injustice.

• Stokke, Kristian; Win, Khine & Aung, Soe Myint (2015). Political Parties and Popular Representation in Myanmar’s Democratization Process. Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs. ISSN 1868-1034. 34(3), p. 3–35. doi: 10.1177/186810341503400301. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2014). Substantiating Urban Democracy: The Importance of Popular Representation and Transformative Democratic Politics. In Parnell, Susan & Oldfield, Sophie (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook on Cities of the Global South. Routledge. ISSN 9780415818650. p. 257–268. doi: 10.4324/9780203387832.ch23. Full text in Research Archive
• Isaksen, Kari-Anne & Stokke, Kristian (2014). Changing climate discourse and politics in India. Climate change as challenge and opportunity for diplomacy and development. Geoforum. ISSN 0016-7185. 57, p. 110–119. doi: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2014.08.019. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article contributes to the study of changing climate discourse and policy in emerging powers through a case study of climate discourse in India since 2007. Based on interviews with key actors in Indian climate politics and textual analysis, three general climate discourses - the Third World, Win-Win and Radical Green discourses - are identified. The discourses are characterised by different constructions of India’s identity, interests, climate change exposure and climate policy orientation. At the most general level, the article finds that there has been a general discursive shift from the Third World discourse to the Win-Win discourse, and that the latter discourse is in broad agreement with the dominant international climate change discourse of ecological modernisation and thus supports an alignment between Indian and international climate politics. We also find, however, that India’s domestic climate politics is marked by co-existence and tensions between the three climate discourses, producing a complex and at times contentious discursive politics over climate change, identity and development. The case study presented in this article moreover demonstrates how national interests are socially constructed and how changes in policy reflect changes in the dominant discourse.

• Stokke, Kristian (2014). Peacebuilding as Small-State Foreign Policy. Norway’s Peace Engagement in a Changing International Context. International Studies. ISSN 0020-8817. 49(3-4), p. 207–231. doi: 10.1177/0020881714532334. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This article examines the emergence and transformation of Norway’s peace engagement in the context of changing international relations. Focusing on foreign policy discourses and practices, the article portrays peace engagement as a value-based effort to support resolution of distant intrastate conflicts, and a strategy to promote Norway’s interests and influence in international relations. The article also argues that changing international politics after the turn of the century has challenged and reoriented Norway’s peace engagement in a more realist direction. Foreign policy discourses and practices are increasingly based on a broad notion of interests that also include ideals of peace, democracy and development. This means that peace engagement can support a domestic political consensus on foreign policy, and simultaneously promote Norway’s standing, relevance and influence in international relations. Peace engagement has thus been institutionalized as a foreign policy that promotes peace while also addressing the challenges associated with smallness in international relations.

• Glavin, Guro; Stokke, Kristian & Wiig, Henrik (2013). The Impact of Women's Mobilisation: Civil Society Organisations and the Implementation of Land Titling in Peru. Forum for Development Studies. ISSN 0803-9410. 40(1), p. 129–152. doi: 10.1080/08039410.2012.691108. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (2013). Transformative Democratic Politics. In Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (Ed.), Democratization in the Global South: The Importance of Transformative Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9780230370036. p. 3–20. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (2013). Paradigmatic Failures of Transformative Democratic Politics: Indonesia and Sri Lanka in Comparative Perspective. In Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (Ed.), Democratization in the Global South: The Importance of Transformative Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9780230370036. p. 100–124. doi: 10.1057/9780230370043_5. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (2013). Experiences and Strategic Interventions in Transformative Democratic Politics. In Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (Ed.), Democratization in the Global South: The Importance of Transformative Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9780230370036. p. 302–311. doi: 10.1057/9780230370043_14. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (2013). The Relevance of the Scandinavian Experiences. In Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (Ed.), Democratization in the Global South: The Importance of Transformative Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. ISSN 9780230370036. p. 21–41. doi: 10.1057/9780230370043_2. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2013). Conceptualizing the Politics of Citizenship. PCD Journal. ISSN 2085-0433. 5(1). Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2012). Crafting Liberal Peace? International Peace Promotion and the Contextual Politics of Peace in Sri Lanka. In Audrey, Kobayashi (Eds.), Geographies of Armed Conflict and Peace. Routledge. ISSN 9780415696586. doi: 10.1080/00045600903245920. Full text in Research Archive
• Moisio, Sami; Stokke, Kristian; Sæther, Elin; Larsen, Henrik Gutzon; Ek, Richard & Hansen, Anders Lund (2011). Interventions in Nordic political geographies. Political Geography. ISSN 0962-6298. 30, p. 241–249. doi: 10.1016/j.polgeo.2011.04.005. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2011). Questioning Liberal Peace. In Kjosavik, Darley Jose & Vedeld, Pål Olav (Ed.), The Political Economy of Environment and Development in a Globalised World - Exploring the Frontiers. Tapir Akademisk Forlag. ISSN 9788251927864. p. 321–341. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Peiris, Pradeep (2011). Liberal Peace and Public Opinion. In Stokke, Kristian & Uyangoda, Jayadeva (Ed.), Liberal Peace in Question. Politics of State and Market Reform in Sri Lanka. Anthem Press. ISSN 9781843318965. p. 157–181. doi: 10.7135/upo9780857286499.008. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2011). Liberal Peace in Question: The Sri Lankan Case. In Stokke, Kristian & Uyangoda, Jayadeva (Ed.), Liberal Peace in Question. Politics of State and Market Reform in Sri Lanka. Anthem Press. ISSN 9781843318965. p. 1–33. doi: 10.7135/upo9780857286499.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Sæther, Elin (2010). Political geography in Norway: Current state and future prospects. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 64(4), p. 211–215. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2010.528223. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The article provides a brief review of the current state and future prospects of political geography in Norway. Although political geography has been revitalised internationally, it has a relatively short history and weak institutional basis in Norway. There are, however, notable exceptions both within and outside the discipline. The main part of the article reviews recent research within political geography at the University of Olso, emphasising the shared focus on contextualised politics of representation, especially in the Global South. This thematic and geographical orientation gives Norwegian political geography a distinct character that also frames the prospects for further development and contribution to international political geography.

• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Civil Society in Sri Lanka during and after the 5th Peace Process: Changing Spaces for Advocating Political Transformations and Delivering Social Welfare Post‐9/11. In Howell, Jude & Lind, Jeremy (Ed.), Civil Society Under Strain. Counter-Terrorism Policy, Civil Society and Aid Post-9/11. Kumarian Press. ISSN 9781565492974. p. 149–170. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The post-Cold War period has seen the emergence of a dichotomising discourse on civil society. Whereas the 1990s was characterised by a strong emphasis on the positive political and developmental contributions of civil society to peacebuilding in intrastate conflicts, the period since the September 11 attacks in the United States has brought a critical focus on the transnational advocacy work and resource mobilization of civil society associations linked to ‘terrorist’ insurgency movements. Thus a discursive distinction has emerged between ‘good civil society’ associated with the transnational agenda of liberal ‘peacebuilding’ and ‘bad civil society’ associated with intrastate and international ‘terrorism’. This dichotomization creates a basis for contrasting strategies by state and international actors; instrumental use of ‘good’ civil society for liberal peacebuilding and regulation and repression of ‘bad’ civil society as part of counter-terrorist measures. These contrasting strategies are well illustrated by the changing policies towards civil society in Sri Lanka’s protracted intrastate conflict and the appropriation of global discourses on defeating terrorism by the Sri Lankan government since 2005 to introduce new controls on the spaces for political deliberation and human rights advocacy. Civil society organisations (CSOs) focusing on political advocacy work and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian rehabilitation and development were instrumentally used in the internationalized attempt at crafting liberal peace during the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe (2001-2004). These civil society roles in liberal peacebuilding were, however, politicized by the Sinhalese ethnonationalist opposition during the peace process and civil society associations have been targets for state repression under the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse since 2005. While the former period was marked by a relatively inclusive definition of ‘good’ civil society, when even some Tamil welfare and development organisations associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) received international aid, the latter period has brought authoritarian repression of both Tamil and Sinhalese NGOs and CSOs. Thus, the global War on Terror has added another layer of complexity to the long-running conflict and made it increasingly difficult for advocacy groups to seek an effective political engagement in the conflict while also encumbering the delivery of aid to conflict-affected areas.

• Stokke, Kristian (2010). The Soft Power of a Small State. Discursive Constructions and Institutional Practices of Norway's Peace Engagement. PCD Journal. ISSN 2085-0433. 2(1). Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Institutionalising self-determination: LTTE’s strategy of building a de facto Tamil Eelam state. In Pararajasingham, Ana (Eds.), Sri Lanka: 60 Years of 'Independence' and Beyond. Centre for Just Peace and Democracy. ISSN 9783952317259. p. 592–608. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Manandar, Mohan Das (2010). Nepal: State and Society - A Primer. In Stokke, Kristian & Manandar, Mohan Das (Ed.), State and Society. Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Nepal. Mandala Book Point. ISSN 9789994655137. Full text in Research Archive
• Evensen, Jane Vogt & Stokke, Kristian (2010). United Against HIV/AIDS? Politics of Local Governance in HIV/AIDS Treatment in Lusikisiki, South Africa. Journal of Southern African Studies. ISSN 0305-7070. 36(1), p. 151–167. doi: 10.1080/03057071003607402. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Peiris, Pradeep (2010). Public Opinion on Peace as a Reflection of Social Differentiation and Politicisation of Identity in Sri Lanka. PCD Journal. ISSN 2085-0433. 2(1). Full text in Research Archive

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• Jordhus-Lier, David; Stokke, Kristian & Sæther, Bjørnar (2026). Samfunnsgeografi: Perspektiver og prosesser. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202899028. doi: 10.23865/cdf.280. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge, som bruker sitt fag til å forstå viktige prosesser i samfunnet. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene blir du kjent med et fag som har hele verden som sitt forskningsfelt. Du lærer blant annet mer om samspillet mellom natur og samfunn, om hvordan geografisk ulikhet skapes, om hvordan byer og rurale strøk henger sammen, om endringer i politiske styresett, og om mennesker og varer i bevegelse. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir en bred innføring i fagets sentrale begreper, historiske utvikling og analytiske perspektiver – med eksempler og referanser tilpasset en norsk studiehverdag og samtidig forankret i den internasjonale forskningsfronten. Boka utvikler et tilgjengelig og presist norsk fagspråk for samfunnsgeografer, med referanser til engelske faguttrykk som gjør videre lesing og litteratursøk lettere. Boka består av tre deler. I del A finner du byggeklossene i faget: de romlige kjernebegrepene, samfunnsgeografiens faghistorie og metodiske tilnærminger. Del B introduserer underdisipliner og tematiske forskningsfelt, mens del C gir kortfattede innføringer i mange av de sentrale prosessene i samfunnsgeografisk forskning. Disse prosessene spenner bredt – fra regional utvikling og sirkulærøkonomier til autokratisering og byplanlegging. Du lærer også om nyere måter å tenke geografisk på, som skeiv usynliggjøring, kroppslig kunnskap og transnasjonal praksis. «Samfunnsgeografi: Perspektiver og prosesser» er en videreutvikling av læreverket «Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring» som kom i 2017. Selv om boka primært er rettet mot studenter på innføringsnivå, vil den også være relevant videre i studiet og for fagpersoner i beslektede felt.

• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2022). The Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Springer Nature. ISBN 9789811679544. 300 p. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This book highlights the gains that a citizenship approach offers to the study of democracy in Indonesia, demonstrating that the struggle for citizenship and the historical development of democracy in the country are closely interwoven. The book arises from a research agenda aiming to help Indonesia’s democracy activists by unpacking citizenship as it is produced and practiced through movements against injustice, taking the shape of struggles by people at grassroots levels for cultural recognition, social and economic injustice, and popular representation. Such struggles in Indonesia have engaged with the state through both discursive and non-discursive processes. The authors show that while the state is the common focal point, these struggles are fragmented across different sectors and subject positions. The authors thus propose that developing chains of solidarity is highly important to motivating a democracy that not only has sovereign control over public affairs, but also robust channels and organisations for political representation. In advocating the development of transformative agendas, organisations, and strategies as an important need, and an enduring challenge, for the realization of citizenship, this book is timely and relevant to the study of contemporary Indonesia's socio-political landscape. It is relevant to students and scholars in political science, anthropology, sociology, human geography and development studies.

• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2018). Politik Kewargaan di Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISBN 9786024336028. 376 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISBN 9788202547752. 371 p. doi: 10.23865/noasp.14.45. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Hiariej, Eric & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Politics of Citizenship in Indonesia. Yayasan Obor Indonesia. ISBN 9786024335076. 394 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Törnquist, Olle (2013). Democratization in the Global South: The Importance of Transformative Politics. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 9780230370036. 337 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Uyangoda, Jayadeva (2012). Liberal Peace in Question: Politics of State and Market Reform in Sri Lanka. Anthem Press. ISBN 9789380601427. 215 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Uyangoda, Jayadeva (2011). Liberal Peace in Question. Politics of State and Market Reform in Sri Lanka. Anthem Press. ISBN 9781843318965. 216 p. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Manandar, Mohan Das (2010). State and Society. Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Nepal. Mandala Book Point. ISBN 9789994655137. 153 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Stokke, Kristian (2026). Sosiale bevegelser. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Yssen, Selma Sofia Forfod (2026). Demokratisering og autokratisering. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2026). Kulturgeografi. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2026). Politisk geografi. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Jordhus-Lier, David & Stokke, Kristian (2026). Hva kan samfunnsgeografer gjøre med verden? doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Jordhus-Lier, David & Stokke, Kristian (2026). Kunnskapssyn i samfunnsgeografi. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Jordhus-Lier, David (2026). Romlige kjernebegreper. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2026). Samfunnsgeografiens faghistorie. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Jordhus-Lier, David & Stokke, Kristian (2026). Hva er samfunnsgeografi? Den geografiske forestillingsevne. doi: https:/cdforskning.no/cdf/catalog/book/280#chapters. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Theiventhran, Gz. MeeNilankco (2025). Sri Lanka: Folklig resning och ny chans för demokratisk utveckling. In Törnquist, Olle; Sundström, Anna & Carmesund, Ulf Arvid (Ed.), Egentligen är världen full av hopp : trettiosex röster om motståndet mot den globala konservativa nationalismen. Bokförlaget Korpen. ISSN 9789189945210. p. 261–270. doi: https:/hdl.handle.net/11250/5323274. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2025). Myanmar: Militärkupp och ny kamp för demokrati. In Törnquist, Olle; Sundström, Anna & Carmesund, Ulf Arvid (Ed.), Egentligen är världen full av hopp : trettiosex röster om motståndet mot den globala konservativa nationalismen. Bokförlaget Korpen. ISSN 9789189945210. p. 225–242. doi: https:/hdl.handle.net/11250/5323274. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2017). Autokratisk demokratisering og medborgerskap for etniske minoriteter i Burma/Myanmar. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2017). The Way Forward to Peace in Burma/Myanmar: Prospects and Risks in Peace Engagement. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian & Erdal, Marta Bivand (2017). Political geographies of citizenship (Introduction to special issue). Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2017.1359207. Full text in Research Archive
• Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Samfunnsgeografiske kjernebegreper. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 45–62. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Stokke, Kristian (2017). Samfunnsgeografiens faghistorie. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 29–43. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Hva er samfunnsgeografi? Den geografiske forestillingsevne. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 19–28. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Hva kan samfunnsgeografer gjøre med verden? In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 361–367. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• García-Godos, Jemima & Stokke, Kristian (2017). Naturressurser: Utvinning, utvikling og konflikt. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 135–151. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Stokke, Kristian & Gleiss, Marielle Stigum (2017). Identitet, medborgerskap og identitetspolitikk. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 175–190. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Stokke, Kristian & Erdal, Marta Bivand (2017). Political geographies of citizenship. Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift. ISSN 0029-1951. 71(4), p. 189–192. doi: 10.1080/00291951.2017.1359207. Full text in Research Archive
• Garcia-Godos, Jemima & Stokke, Kristian (2016). Naturressurser: utvinning, utvikling og konflikt. In Jordhus-Lier, David Christoffer & Stokke, Kristian (Ed.), Samfunnsgeografi: En innføring. Cappelen Damm Akademisk. ISSN 9788202547752. p. 135–163. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samfunnsgeografi er studiet av samfunnets romlighet. Som student i samfunnsgeografi utvikler du din geografiske forestillingsevne og blir i stand til å forstå betydningen av det geografiske i samfunnet rundt deg. Denne boka gir deg en innføring i fagets historie og kjernebegreper – som rom, sted, skala, territorium og nettverk – samt en gjennomgang av viktige underdisipliner og forskningstemaer som preger faget i dag. Kapitlene er skrevet på norsk av 24 samfunnsgeografer basert i Norge. Forfatterne bruker selv en samfunnsgeografisk tilnærming i sin egen forskning. Gjennom de ulike kapitlene lærer du blant annet mer om klimaendringer, globalisering og ulikhet, politisk deltagelse, byutvikling, migrasjon, fattigdom og utviklingsspørsmål.

• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). President-utfordrer omringet av soldater. Regimet føler seg truet av Fonseka. [Journal]. VG. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [TV]. NRK 2. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Journal]. Vårt Land. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2 Dagsnytt 18. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [TV]. NRK2. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2 Verden i dag. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2010). Ikke håp om framgang på Sri Lanka. [Journal]. Under Dusken. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Første valg etter Tigrenes nederlag: Pressen får ikke dekke valget. [Journal]. Aftenposten. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Norge skviset om milliardlån i IMF: Mente nei, sa ja til Sri Lanka. [Journal]. Klassekampen. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [TV]. TV2 Nyhetskanalen. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Varsler blodbad på Sri Lanka. [Journal]. Dagsavisen. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Tamiltigrene lover kamp med fredens midler. [Journal]. NTB. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2 Dagsnytt 18. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2 Dagsnytt 18. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). 5633 tamiler møtte opp for å avgi stemme. [Journal]. Utrop. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Frykter tamilsk quislingstyre. [Journal]. Vårt Land. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Sri Lanka-forsker om 378 drepte: Frykter mer avd et samme. [Journal]. VG. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [TV]. NRK TV Urix. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Sri Lanka splittet i seier og sorg. [Journal]. NTB. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Sri Lankas regjering fordømmer Norge. [Journal]. Aftenposten. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [Radio]. NRK P2 Nyhetsmorgen. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian (2009). Nyhetskommentar om Sri Lanka. [TV]. NRK 2 Morgennyheter. Full text in Research Archive
• McNeish, John Andrew; Stokke, Kristian & Strøm, Maria Skundberg (2019). Between visions and realities : Norway`s peace engagement in Colombia. Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet (NMBU). Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Norway has established a good reputation by taking responsibility for international peace and security and has been actively involved in several peace processes all over the world. With its peace engagement Norway has established its own section for peace and reconciliation and adapted a model for peace with certain characteristics unique for Norway. However, in the Norwegian official reports and evaluation of its peace engagement there is lacking a clear definition of the notion of peace and what is defined as success for Norway´s peace engagement. Further Norway have been modest on stating its motives for engaging so greatly in international peace and security. The aim of the thesis is to get a deeper understanding of Norwegian engagement for peace by looking at its involvement in the Colombian peace process.

• Erdal, Marta Bivand; Stokke, Kristian & Bertelli, Davide (2019). Sense of Belonging and Political Participation: A qualitative case study connecting migrants’ sense of belonging and political participation in Brescia, Italy. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This thesis explores the connections between sense of belonging and political participation among the migrants in Brescia, Italy. It is a qualitative case study that analyses and discusses the migrants’ interpretations, feelings, understandings and experiences of belonging and political participation at the formal and informal levels. Drawing on theories of belonging and participation, the many relationships governing the two are brought to light. A key finding emerges from the research: sense of belonging and political participation continuously influence and reinforce each other. This is translated into the development of social and political change at a variety of scales, from the local to the transnational, with migrants undergoing a constant process of maturation and recognition of the self within the community they are situated in. By discussing how migrants rework and make sense of political structures, this study contributes to advance knowledge in the field of political geography: it represents a modern analysis of one of the aspects of contemporary migration in Western Europe.

• Stokke, Kristian; Törnquist, Olle & Arnesen, Vegar Krogh (2018). Power, Welfare and Democracy. Lessons from Indonesia in Comparative Perspectives, especially Myanmar and Scandinavia (Conference report, University of Oslo, 29-30 November 2017). Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Stokke, Kristian; Vakulchuk, Roman & Øverland, Indra (2018). Myanmar: A Political Economy Analysis. Norsk Utenrikspolitisk Institutt. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Myanmar may for a long time remain in a transitional state with an uncertain future. After a series of political and economic liberalization reforms from 2011 onwards, Myanmar’s political trajectory remains open-ended, although the most plausible scenario remains a continued slow democratization process. The democratic opening has been driven largely by the interest of the military rulers in changing Myanmar’s relations with Western states and thereby gaining leverage vis-à-vis China. Continued military influence, persistent capacity problems in political parties and parliamentary politics, weak channels of political representation and limited administrative capacity give rise to critical questions about the substance of democratization and economic development in Myanmar. The country’s informal economy is one of the largest in the world and is upheld by informal elite pacts that were formed in the military era, often involving high-ranking officers and crony companies. Along with a high level of corruption and lack of redistributive mechanisms the continuing cronyism hinders inclusive growth. If these economic structures persist, social and ethnic conflicts may intensify and progress towards further democratization stall. Despite this, foreign direct investments in resource extraction and other sectors have been on the rise since 2011 and are likely to continue. Myanmar is also ranked as the world’s second-most vulnerable country to climate change. The government needs a better understanding of climate change and its effects – both its direct impacts on Myanmar and its indirect impacts via neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh. As Myanmar remains at a crossroads, smart external assistance may have greater long-term impact in Myanmar than in other recipient countries where the situation is less volatile. However, donors may also become increasingly frustrated and reduce their assistance because of the ongoing Rohingya crisis and because of the limited local capacity to absorb international assistance.

• Stokke, Kristian; Erdal, Marta Bivand; Potthoff, Kerstin & Turner, Catriona (2017). Norsk Geografisk Tidsskrift - Norwegian Journal of Geography, Vol. 71, No. 4, September 2017. Taylor & Francis. Full text in Research Archive

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