Rasmus Mondrup – New PhD at the Department of Anthropology

I did my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology at Aarhus University, writing my thesis on an ecovillage neighbouring a reactivated military base on the Swedish island Gotland. In my PhD project The Logic of Necessity, I turn to Denmark and the current paradigm shift in national defence and security politics. As part of this shift, the government has decided to reopen the ammunition factory, locally known as Krudten, in the village of Elling in Frederikshavn Municipality.

It does so under the controversial law L 1097, which grants the Minister of Defence powers to bypass planning, environmental, and democratic safeguards to reopen Krudten as fast as possible. On one hand, the reopening promises jobs, economic growth, and renewed local relevance. On the other hand, it raises fears about sabotage, environmental pollution, property loss, and democratic disenfranchisement. Despite these concerns, many residents in Elling appear to view the reopening as necessary. I am interested in what makes the reopening and military rearmament appear necessary, and why this necessity outweighs risks to democracy, environment, and personal security. 

My project examines how political interventions become understood as necessary, and specifically the types of politics that are enabled, legitimised, and foreclosed as the reopening of Krudten under L 1097 is justified by both national politicians and local residents. 

Contact: 
Rasmus Mondrup
School of Culture and Society - Department of Anthropology
Moesgård Allé 20, 4215 - 214
8270 Højbjerg
mondrup@cas.au.dk