Carl Graefe

Carl Graefe received his PhD from the University of Minnesota Department of Political Science in June 2024. His dissertation, "New Spaces: On Territoriality in an Expansive Era," looks at what happens when new territory gets added to the international system. The project involved computer simulations as well as detailed investigations of polar politics, maritime politics, and the politics of outer space. Contrary to popular narratives, new spaces are sites of unique and robust international cooperation that might serve as inspiration for peacefully resolving other international challenges. Carl's other research interests include the politics of technology, using simulation as a research tool, and the politics of environmental governance. 
 
During his time with the Dickey Center, Carl will be working to convert two chapters of his dissertation into publishable material. The first is a theoretical piece demonstrating that, contrary to commonly held assumptions in IR, the overall amount of territory in the world changes. The second is a comparative piece examining the history of Antarctic and Arctic politics, looking for conditions that have promoted conflict and cooperation at the poles.