Katariina Mustasilta is a Leading Researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. She steers the research project ‘Finland in Afghanistan 2001-2021’ that examines Finland’s engagement in the stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.  She is part of the Institute’s European Union research programme, and her research focuses more broadly on political violence and conflict trends and (the EU’s) international conflict prevention and peace-building efforts.

Her publications include academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Peace Research and European Foreign Affairs Review, as well as more policy-oriented research reports and briefings. Prior to joining FIIA, Mustasilta worked at the EUISS, where she covered conflict research relevant to the EU’s integrated approach to conflicts and crises.

Mustasilta holds a PhD in Political Science from the Government Department at the University of Essex. Her PhD thesis focused on the role of traditional governance in sub-Saharan African countries’ internal conflicts.

Expertise

Conflicts and political violence, EU’s common foreign and security policy, international conflict prevention and crisis management efforts, Sub-Saharan Africa

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (political science), University of Essex (2019)

Language skills

Finnish, English, Swedish, (Spanish and French)

Projects

Finland in Afghanistan 2001–2021
Transforming strategic cultures in contemporary Europe
Water Cooperation and Peace – Finnish Water Way


Latest FIIA Publications

Expertise

Conflicts and political violence, EU’s common foreign and security policy, international conflict prevention and crisis management efforts, Sub-Saharan Africa

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (political science), University of Essex (2019)

Language skills

Finnish, English, Swedish, (Spanish and French)

Select category


Select category

Mustasilta, Katariina; Stewart, Timo R. & Karjalainen, Tyyne (2023). The lessons (un)learned from Afghanistan. Helsinki Security Forum.

Mustasilta, Katariina (2022). Peripheries. In Giovanni, Faleg ed(s): African Spaces: The New Geopolitical Frontlines. EUISS. 33-42.

Mustasilta, Katariina & Karjalainen, Tyyne (2021). Uusi rauhanrahasto militarisoi Euroopan unionia. Helsingin Sanomat, 31.3.

Bisca, Paul M.; Brown, Edward K.; Calandro, Enrico; Cilliers, Jakkie; Gebremichael, Mesfin; Isacsson, Joachim; Kell, Fergus; Lavinal, Olivier; Mustasilta, Katariina; Narbone, Luigi; Palleschi, Carlo; Papa, Carlo; Pawlak, Patryk; Portela, Clara; Robinson, Melanie; Sartori, Nicolò; Tassinari, Fabrizio; Venturi, Bernardo; Vines, Alex & Woolfrey, Sean (2021). African Futures 2030 - Free Trade, peace and prosperity. Paris: European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS).

Mustasilta, Katariina (2020). Green terror? The environment fights back. In Florence Gaub ed(s): Conflicts to come. 15 scenarios for 2030. Paris: European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). 21-24.