Thorsten Borring Olesen

Thorsten Borring Olesen is a Professor at the Department of Culture and Society - History, Aarhus University. His research focuses on European integration, political history, and the Cold War, with emphasis on Denmark's foreign policy and Nordic cooperation. He has been a principal investigator in multiple projects, including studies on Danish involvement in Afghanistan and the historical context of European referendums.

Key academic achievements include receiving the Årets Historiske Forskningsresultat 2019 and publishing extensively in journals like Journal of Cold War Studies. His work often bridges historical analysis with contemporary policy debates, as seen in his 2025 publications on EU dynamics and Thule Base history.

He has advised on projects such as Reimagining Norden (2018–2023) and contributed to courses like Scandinavia in the World: The Nordic Model. His media engagements include commentaries on Danish foreign policy and EU relations in outlets like Politiken and DR P1.