co-authored by Per Ivar Engevold & Kari Lie Dorer

Anticipated in 2026

Per Ivar Hjeldbakken Engevold and Kari Lie Dorer’s work in progress, Norwegians in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: Unveiling Hidden Histories of Colonialism and Enslavement delves into the complex history of how Denmark-Norway became participants in the trade of enslaved peoples and colonization. Over the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, Norwegians and Danes played a role in the trafficking of enslaved Africans, with Danish ships transporting nearly 100,000 enslaved individuals from Africa to European possessions in the Caribbean. The research emphasizes the often-omitted Norwegian roles within the Danish colonial empire and the lasting impacts of this involvement on Norway’s colonial legacy to contemporary issues of racism.

The book explores the  roles Norwegians played in the slave trade, from the elite to those coerced into participation. Intended for a general audience, the publication aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Norway’s role in colonialism outside its borders. It discusses Norwegian involvement in Southeast Asia, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe, offering a comprehensive overview that ties together the pieces of Norwegian and Norwegian-American history in a unique manner. Because of this difficult and under recognized history, the authors stress its importance.