Karen-Anna Eggen is a researcher and Head of the Programme for Ukraine and Full-Spectrum Threats at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies. Eggen finalised her PhD on Russia’s Contemporary Grand Strategy: The Use of Information and Other Unconventional Means Towards the Nordic Region in 2025. Before her doctorate, Eggen was employed as a Researcher and Program Coordinator for IFS’ research program Security and Defence in Northern Europe (SNE). She has previously worked as an adviser in the Norwegian Atlantic Committee and had various engagements at the Norwegian Consulate General in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Eggen has studied Russian language in Minsk, Belarus. She was also an exchange student at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, where she specialised in Russian language and political science. Eggen was involved in the start-up of Stratagem, an online platform for subject-based discussion about defence and security policy, with a focus on contributions from young professionals. She is currently part of the editorial board.

Eggen has been a member of the board of Human Rights House Foundation since 2023 and is also on the board of Sønsteby-fondet as per 2025.