Global studies
Fafo conducts research on the social, political and economic dimensions of governance, in particular the challenges to realising rights and responding to sources of insecurity. Our research seeks to better understand how individuals, households, communities and organisations are affected by and respond to violence and other sources of vulnerability. What are the social foundations of transition and conflict? How do people adapt? What are the implications for policy?

Decent Work

Job creation is one of the most pressing challenges confronting policymakers worldwide. Jobs complete with appropriate compensation, social security, ...

Responsible business

For more than a decade, Fafo's research into responsible business has focused on  business practice in its regulatory and social context, through ...

Peacebuilding and stabilisation

Fafo's research programme on peace and stabilization focuses on the dynamics and consequences of evolving doctrine and practice in peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and stabilization operations.

Global health

Fafo’s health-related research focuses on social dimensions of ill-health including inequity, vulnerability, coping strategies and adaptation. Our aim is to promote high-quality research ...

China

Fafo has been conducting activities in China since 1994 and developed close and constructive cooperation with Chinese institutions. Fafo’s research in China focuses on social, economic ...

Middle East and North Africa

Fafo’s research in the Middle East mainly revolves around people’s living conditions and livelihood strategies and how these are impacted by conflicts and rights. ...

Emerging economies

The rise of Emerging Powers, such as China, Brazil, Russia, India and Turkey, is changing the very dynamics and structure of international relations. ...

Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa

Extensive fieldwork is a core component of our research in the Sahel and in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our researchers combine qualitative and quantitative methods to produce high-quality research ...

Global education and out-of-school children

Unesco’s Global Monitoring Report for 2014 shows that more than 50 million school-aged children still are out of school. ...

Violence and Conflict

How do violence and conflict impact individuals, communities and institutions?

News about global studies

The Nigerian election in review

Monday, 06 March 2023

A few days after Nigeria’s presidential elections, with a disputed winner declared, Camilla Houeland offered some initial conclusions and prospects.

Article: "Nigeria’s Election Could Break the Political Mold, But It Won’t End the Social Crisis"

Thursday, 23 February 2023

The 6th most populated country in the world is preparing its president election. An outsider candidate, Peter Obi, is the surprise favorite in this week’s Nigerian presidential election. Obi has attracted support from labor and youth activists, but his neoliberal economic agenda won’t address the dire social conditions afflicting Nigeria, Camilla Houleland and Sa’eed Husaini write in this article.

What has Norway achieved with the EEA and Norway Grants?

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Norway allocated a total of NOK 60 billion to the EEA and Norway Grants from 2004 to 2021. The grants seek to reduce economic and social disparities in the EEA and to strengthen bilateral relations between donor and recipient countries. In addition to good results in the beneficiary countries – such as support for civil society and as a counter-move against authoritarian forces – the grants show positive effects for Norway, according to the review. The report was commissioned by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

New book examines fieldwork in a violent world

Thursday, 09 February 2023

This book focuses on the emotional hazards of conducting fieldwork about or within contexts of violence. It provides a forum for field-based researchers to tell their stories. The volume engages with the methodological and ethical issues involved and features a range of expressive writings that reveal personal consequences and dilemmas.