Brynjar Lia

Brynjar Lia is a Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oslo (IKOS), specializing in jihadism, militant Islamist movements, and political violence. He holds a Cand.Philol. and Dr.Philos. from the University of Oslo. His research explores Islamist movements, Palestinian state-building, and renewable energy in the Middle East. Currently, he coordinates the Oil-in-Transition project on energy transitions in the region.

He previously served as an adjunct research professor at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) and contributed to projects like the rebel governance initiative. Teaching includes courses on jihadism and Middle Eastern studies. Lia has supervised six PhD dissertations and currently advises two doctoral candidates.

His awards include multiple FFI Publication Awards and a Fulbright Scholarship. Notable works include *Architect of Global Jihad: The Life of Al Qaeda Strategist Abu Mus'ab Al-Suri* and *The Society of the Muslim Brothers in Egypt: The Rise of an Islamic Mass Movement, 1928-1942*. His research has been highlighted by UiO and UiB rectors for its impact on understanding jihadist proto-states and rebel governance.