Iceland’s Conflict History and Attitudes Toward Security

Abstract

This chapter discusses the Icelandic public’s support for a sub-strategic security force using the country’s conflict history and modern attitudes toward defence. In chronological order, Iceland’s conflict history over the past millennium included territorial combat, feuding, civil war, religious violence, “witch” murders, piracy and human trafficking, political insurrection, global warfare, “war bride” persecution, and violent protests. These conflicts were addressed by Icelandic and/or foreign security forces, demonstrating that the country has a long tradition of using them. Previous surveys measuring security attitudes revealed Icelanders are not uniform in their views toward security. Substantial numbers of respondents are confused about the country’s existing security relationships. Nearly half of Icelanders believe their country neutral despite being a member of NATO and having security treaties/agreements with the U.S. and the Nordic countries. Icelanders think their greatest security challenges are natural disasters and financial collapse but rank organized crime and terrorism as possible threats. Although Icelanders support immigrants, nearly half believe that terrorism and crime could increase because of Muslim immigration (refugees/asylum seekers), with one quarter wanting to reduce immigration. Taken as a whole, Iceland’s conflict history and current security attitudes could allow the public to support the sub-strategic security force recommended in this book.

Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?

Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster …

for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you.

Friedrich W. Nietzsche

Ísland úr NATO og herinn burt (Iceland out of NATO and the Army out of Iceland).

Icelandic political slogan chanted during 1960s’ anti-NATO marches