Jethro Norman
Primary research areas
Primarily an ethnographer, Jethro is concerned with bringing anthropological insights to bear on questions of international relations and political science. Broadly, he researches humanitarianism, security, and development in conflict and post-conflict zones, and has done fieldwork in Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Ukraine.
His previous research has offered critical insights into the spaces and dynamics of international intervention. He has conducted long term research on the afterlives of military personnel, including private military and security (PMSC) contractors and foreign war volunteers. His research on humanitarianism and development extends beyond traditional narratives and actors, including diaspora and community driven aid and development.
Current research
Jethro’s current research broadly covers transnational politics, conflict and development in Somalia and Somaliland, with a particular focus on the role of the Somali diaspora. He is particularly interested in alternative perspectives on humanitarianism, the political economy of aid contracts, humanitarian security apparatuses and competing humanitarian rationalities.
Jethro is also researching the implications of technology and digital media – particularly the now ubiquitous smartphone - in transforming the character of conflict, crisis response, and aid.
Projects
Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises (DHUM)
Jethro is currently a postdoc on the Diaspora Humanitarianism in Complex Crises (DHUM) programme, which explores how Somali diaspora groups mobilize, channel and deliver assistance to Somalia during complex humanitarian crises. His fieldwork focuses on the secessionist state of Somaliland, and forms part of a broader collaborative effort at multi-sited and simultaneous fieldwork that connects researchers in Kenya, Somalia, and Europe.
Research and activites
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Journal Article2024Finn Stepputat & Jethro Norman
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Chapter2023The green zones of Baghdad and Mogadishu as heterotopic spacesHelle Malmvig, Jethro Norman, Antonio De Lauri, Iva Jelusic, Heidi Mogstad & Eva Johais
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Chapter2023European soldiers remobilizing as private security contractors in Africa: an interview with Jethro Norman by Heidi MogstadJethro Norman, Heidi Mogstad, Antonio De Lauri, Iva Jelusic, Heidi Mogstad & Eva Johais
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Journal Article2023Private security contractors and the plasticity of Mogadishu’s international ‘green zone’Jethro Norman
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Journal Article2023Privilege, precarity, and colonial nostalgia among european security contractors in East AfricaJethro Norman
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Article2023External Investment, Intensifying Internal Competition, and the Struggle for NarrativeJethro Norman
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Web Article2023An interview with Jethro NormanJethro Norman & Heidi Mogstad
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Web Article2023the Green Zones of Baghdad and MogadishuHelle Malmvig & Jethro Norman
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Photo/illustration by Jethro Norman, DIISJournal Article2022Diasporic infrastructures of connectivity, circulation, and exchangeJethro Norman
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Working papers etc.2020Jethro Norman
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Photo/illustration by Ukrinform / Alamy Stock PhotoDIIS Policy Brief2024Jethro Norman
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Photo/illustration by Abaca Ritzau ScanpixDIIS Policy Brief2024Jethro Norman
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Photo/illustration by Olga Maltseva AFP Ritzau ScanpixDIIS Policy Brief2024Jethro Norman
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Photo/illustration by Feisal Omar/Reuters/Ritzau ScanpixDIIS Policy Brief2024Jethro Norman
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DIIS Policy Brief2023Jethro Norman
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Brief2022Current trends and future scenarios of Somali diaspora engagementNauja Kleist, Ahmed Musa & Jethro Norman
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DIIS Policy Brief2021What we know and what we need to know more aboutMohamed Aden Hassan, Sahra Ahmed Koshin, Peter Albrecht, Mark Bradbury, Fatima Dahir Mohamed, Abdirahman Edle Ali, Karuti Kanyinga, Nauja Kleist, George Michuki, Ahmed M. Musa, Jethro Norman & Obadia Okinda
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DIIS Comment2020Emerging Trends in Somaliland Diaspora Response to Covid-19Ahmed Musa, Jethro Norman, Mark Bradbury, Mohamed Aden Hassan & Nauja Kleist
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Photo/illustration by Pexels. Jens Mahnke. copyright licenseDIIS Comment2020Abdirahman Edle Ali, Abdirahman Mustaf Mohamed, Jethro Norman, Karuti Kanyinga & Peter Albrecht