He wants to strengthen the link between research and military practice

John Olsen, Colonel and Professor of War Studies, has been Head of the Department of War Studies since 1 January 2026. Following a long career in the Royal Norwegian Air Force and several international appointments, he now aims to help strengthen the interaction between research, the military profession and security policy.

John Olsen’s research focuses on two main areas. The first concerns air power and the air warfare profession, not primarily technology and aircraft, but rather strategy, operational art, command and history related to air operations. A significant part of his research has focused on the United States Air Force.

“I am interested in how air power is employed strategically and operationally, and how theories and experiences shape contemporary military thinking”, he says.

The second strand of his research concerns NATO. Here, he studies the Alliance’s development over time, decision-making processes at the political and strategic levels, and the transatlantic relationship.

“I want to understand how NATO has been shaped by international crises and conflicts, but also how the Alliance has influenced European defence and security policy.”

Combining military experience and research

His interest in air power developed during his career as an officer in the Royal Norwegian Air Force. When John Olsen began his doctoral studies in 1997, his research focused on strategic bombing during the 1991 Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait.

At the same time, his interest in NATO grew through several international appointments, including as Deputy Chief at NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo and in security policy roles within the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. He has also served as Defence Attaché in London and as Head of Net Assessment at NATO Headquarters, a role involving the leadership of NATO’s long-term strategic analysis of the balance of power between the Alliance and its potential adversaries, in support of decisions on defence planning, deterrence and future capability development.

An early interest in research

For John Olsen, the academic path gained momentum during his master’s studies in British politics and literature in the 1990s.

“I discovered that I enjoyed immersing myself in complex issues and placing current events in a broader historical and political context. Research provided an opportunity to combine curiosity with analysis.”

Over the years, he has combined research and military service with teaching and leadership in higher military education, including at the Norwegian Air Force Academy and the Norwegian Defence University College (Forsvarets høgskole).

“The interaction between theory and practical military experience has always been particularly inspiring to me.”

A long-standing collaboration with the Swedish Defence University

His connection with the Swedish Defence University goes back many years. During his time at Forsvarets høgskole, John Olsen helped establish Nordic cooperation between military academies. The collaboration with Sweden became particularly close, and between 2006 and 2016 he served as Visiting Professor at the Swedish Defence University in Stockholm.

“It created a strong academic network and a collaboration that I have greatly appreciated over the years.”

When the position as Head of the Department of War Studies and Military History was advertised, his interest was immediately sparked.

“It felt like an opportunity to use my experience as a researcher, professor and officer in a new environment, while also contributing to the continued development of the Swedish Defence University.”

Wants to strengthen NATO expertise and war studies

As Head of Department, John Olsen wants to help strengthen the link between professional military competence and War Studies research. He also highlights the importance of internationalisation and deeper knowledge of NATO and security policy.

“I want to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nature of war and warfare, how it is changing, and the demands it places on the officers and decision-makers of the future.”

He sees the Swedish Defence University’s mission as central to the security of Sweden and its allies.

“The Swedish Defence University plays an important role in developing the knowledge and expertise required for Swedish officers to be well prepared to defend national and allied sovereignty and territorial integrity.”