Mats Berdal

Professor Mats Berdal is a leading academic in conflict, security, and development studies at King's College London. He holds the position of Professor of Security and Development and directs the Conflict, Security and Development Research Group (CSDRG). Previously, he served as Director of Studies at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and as Adjunct Professor at the Norwegian Defence University College. His research focuses on the UN's role in international peacekeeping, civil wars, Cold War history, and Nordic security. Berdal earned his BSc (Econ) from the London School of Economics and his doctorate from Oxford University, and is a Member of the Academia Europaea.

His research explores the political economy of armed conflict, the dynamics of civil wars, and the evolution of UN peace operations. Notable publications include analyses of the 'Responsibility to Protect' doctrine, NATO's role in Afghanistan, and the limitations of force in UN peacekeeping. He teaches courses such as 'Conflict & Security' and supervises PhD projects on topics like peacekeeping post-Cold War, UN history, and the political economy of conflict.

Berdal’s work emphasizes the interplay between strategic studies and humanitarian imperatives. Recent engagements include advising Norway’s Commission on Afghanistan (2014–2016) and leading King’s Conflict Records Unit, which archives conflict-related primary sources. His contributions bridge academic rigor with policy relevance, addressing contemporary challenges in global security governance.