Hello, and welcome to Shadows of the North.
My name is Katrina Cooley, and I am a researcher specializing in the history of the Nordic countries during the First and Second World Wars. My work focuses primarily on the social and political evolution of Swedish neutrality in the years between these two global conflicts.
This blog was born from the realization that many people are uncertain about how the Nordic countries fit into the broader history of the World Wars. Through Shadows of the North, I aim to make Nordic wartime history accessible to a wider audience by bridging the gap between academic research and public history in an engaging and approachable way. While the stories of the major combatants often dominate discussions of these conflicts, the Nordic countries offer unique perspectives on neutrality, occupation, cooperation, resistance, and survival.
Shadows of the North serves as a space to share research, explore historical debates, and connect Nordic experiences to broader developments in twentieth-century warfare. By placing these stories within the wider context of global conflict, I hope to demonstrate why the Nordic experience remains an important and often overlooked part of World War history.
Whether you are a student, researcher, educator, or simply someone with an interest in the past, I hope you find something here that deepens your understanding of the Nordic countries during these transformative years.
When I’m not researching, I enjoy training my dogs, hiking, and making crafts. I always welcome questions, comments, suggestions, and conversations about history.
Thank you for reading!
