The Nobel Institute houses what is perhaps Northern Europe’s finest international relations library, and has during the past few decades emerged as an important international academy for studies relating to war and peace.
Since 1991, nearly 100 visiting fellows from over 25 countries have spent shorter or longer periods at the Institute, including many of the world’s leading historians, economists and political scientists. In connection with the Visiting Fellows Program, research seminars are held throughout the spring. The seminars are open to the public. Selected Fulbright candidates are expected to deliver one research seminar and one public lecture while in residence at the Institute.
This award is available for up to three scholars each year. Applications are sought in all appropriate disciplines, but applications in the following disciplines are preferred: History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Law.
Selected scholars will be in residence for three months and may begin any time between February 1 and April 1. The Norwegian Nobel Institute will provide office space for selected scholars.
Each year the Visiting Fellows Program has a different topic. The topic for 2027 will be: “Paths to Peace: Past Experiences, Emergent Directions, and Guiding Values.”
Paths to Peace: Past Experiences, Emergent Directions, and Guiding Values
The first quarter of the 21st century has seen increasingly complex civil wars and mounting tension between global powers. With a new world order in the making, the implications for peace and conflict are uncertain, yet the need for diplomacy and dialogue is clearer than ever.
But what does it take for peace initiatives to succeed? In today’s armed conflicts, what are the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of initiatives – from high-level diplomatic efforts by state leaders, to the engagement of grassroots peacemakers? What types of settlements promote lasting peace? What moral considerations should guide agents in their pursuit of peace?
The Norwegian Nobel Institute seeks to throw light upon peace initiatives, using historical, normative, as well as comparative and statistical approaches.
Relevant research questions include, but are not limited to:
- How have peace initiatives been conducted in the past? What has accounted for an initiative’s success or failure?
- How are peace initiatives conducted now, and what can we expect as we look ahead?
- How is the international peace-making regime impacted by global transformations, and what are the emergent policies and practices of different actors?
- How do changes in the global order affect the successful inclusion of women, victims, or minorities in peace initiatives?
- How do diplomacy and dialogue prevent the outbreak of armed conflict, limit its spread, or facilitate de-escalation?
- What are the paths to peaceful settlements between actors that hold seemingly incompatible objectives?
- What are the challenges and opportunities of new technologies?
- How should peace initiatives be conducted? To what extent should peace be prioritized over other values, such as democracy, distributive or retributive justice, and the promotion of human rights?
Both case-oriented and more general approaches to the topic are welcome.
To apply
The Advanced International Studies at the Nobel Institute award is published in IIE’s annual awards catalogue. You can find more information about the grant and the online application on the IIE Fulbright Scholar Program website.
Application deadline is in September for the following academic year. All applicants are requested to complete this survey. Also, please know that our office advises applicants to keep a copy of their completed Fulbright application.
Please contact the Fulbright office in Norway, or Aferdita Krasniqi at IIE in the Fulbright Scholar Program for more information.