Rationale and Background

Despite their strong presence at the ISA, Nordic scholars encounter practical challenges in fostering collaboration across national boundaries. Connections between scholars in the region are often limited, reinforcing the relative peripheral status of the Nordic countries within the discipline. For many scholars working in or on the Nordic region, the ISA serves as a primary and natural hub for collaboration. However, the ISA currently lacks an organizational structure to actively support and enhance these connections.

A Nordic Caucus within the ISA would serve as a dedicated platform to promote regional collaboration, foster dialogue, and support scholars working in and on Nordic-related topics. By creating a formal space within the ISA, the caucus would facilitate stronger connections among researchers, helping to bridge divides and amplify the contributions of Nordic scholarship within the discipline. This includes not only scholars based in the Nordic region but also those outside it whose research focuses on Nordic countries. In addition to its core functions, the caucus would actively collaborate with existing regional and national organizations, such as the Nordic International Studies Association (NISA). These partnerships would generate synergies, enhancing the visibility and impact of Nordic scholars within global academic networks.

Although the Nordic region is often perceived as culturally and socially homogenous, it is marked by significant diversity. The region encompasses five states—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—and includes three semi-autonomous territories: Greenland, the Faroe Islands (both part of the Kingdom of Denmark), and Åland (a demilitarized, Swedish-speaking region of Finland). Its cultural makeup reflects a complex mix of cultural and historical ties alongside distinct national identities. This diversity includes Indigenous communities, such as the Sámi people and the Inuit populations in Greenland. Scholars based in the Nordic countries represent an important constituency of the ISA in terms of membership, comprising approximately 300 members, or 5 percent of the association’s total.

The establishment of a Nordic Caucus would provide an institutional framework within the ISA to foster collaboration among scholars working in and on the Nordic region. By supporting stronger connections and partnerships, the caucus would enhance the visibility and impact of Nordic scholarship while enriching the diversity of perspectives within the ISA.

Sponsors

Benjamin de Carvalho, NUPI (Norway)
Isabel Bramsen, Lund University (Sweden)
Halvard Leira, NUPI (Norway)

Rebecca Adler-Nissen, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Jens Bartelson, Lund University (Sweden)
Annika Björkdahl, Lund University (Sweden)
Niklas Bremberg, Stockholm University (Sweden)
Christopher Browning, University of Warwick (UK)
Kristin Eggeling, Copenhagen University (Denmark)
Tuomas Forsberg, University of Helsinki (Finland)
Nina Græger, Copenhagen University (Denmark)
Pia Hansson, University of Iceland (Iceland)
Peter Marcus Kristensen, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
Kristoffer Lidén, PRIO (Norway)
Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, University of Iceland (Iceland)
Øyvind Svendsen, NUPI (Norway)
Ann Towns, Gothenburg University (Sweden)
Juha Vuori, University of Turku (Finland)
Ole Wæver, University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

A Note on Caucuses at the ISA

The ISA Constitution states the following regarding caucuses: “Groups of members organized to promote purposes identified in the Constitution Article II, Section 1, may be recognized as component units of the Association on such conditions as the Governing Council may fix. Caucuses of members with particular interests or characteristics are among the units that may be recognized. Caucuses may be established upon petition of at least one percent of the membership to the Governing Council via the Executive Director. The petition will include a statement of purpose, organization, and activities.” Furthermore, the ISA specifies that “Caucuses offer a collaborative environment for ISA members who are interested in supporting and advocating on matters of concern for identified constituencies within ISA.”