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Helene Olsen

Dr Helene Olsen

Lecturer in Defence Studies Education

Biography

Dr Helene Olsen is an expert in the historical and contemporary usages of private violence. Her research focuses on how the use of mercenaries and other forms of private security has been viewed by contemporaries, and how prevalent perceptions of mercenaries still affect our attitudes towards modern private military and security companies. As an interdisciplinary scholar, Dr Olsen uses tenets from linguistics, history, and political science to examine how mercenaries have been socially constructed.

Her current research project examines how “outsiders” are influencing the conflict in Ukraine.

Research Interests

  • Private security
  • Mercenaries
  • Legitimacy
  • The organisation of violence
  • Violence and the state
  • Morality and war

Teaching

As part of the Defence Studies Department located at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham, Dr Olsen has taught military officers in various topics, including COIN operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, air power, and military strategy.

Previously, Dr Olsen has taught in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and in the School of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University. 

Selected Publications

Research

FSPR Thumb New
Forum for Private Security Research

The FSPR provides a hub for scholars interested in studying the private security sector.

Events

07MarSilhouette of soldiers army military

African agency and the use of private military and security forces

A roundtable discussion on how African leaders have used foreign military and security forces to advance their political and economic interests.

Please note: this event has passed.

29NovSir Michael Howard Black and white

Sir Michael Howard Centenary

Join us for a roundtable discussion about the enduring influence and legacies of Sir Michael Howard within the field of the history.

Please note: this event has passed.

Research

FSPR Thumb New
Forum for Private Security Research

The FSPR provides a hub for scholars interested in studying the private security sector.

Events

07MarSilhouette of soldiers army military

African agency and the use of private military and security forces

A roundtable discussion on how African leaders have used foreign military and security forces to advance their political and economic interests.

Please note: this event has passed.

29NovSir Michael Howard Black and white

Sir Michael Howard Centenary

Join us for a roundtable discussion about the enduring influence and legacies of Sir Michael Howard within the field of the history.

Please note: this event has passed.