Norwegian Security Policy: The Role of the Arctic, the Environment and the NSR

Abstract

Since the creation of nation states the intrinsic nature and goal of security policy has, irrespective of regime, historical context and cultural heritage, been the pursuit of freedom from threat.¹ As a political act security is the call for exceptional measures to block undesirable developments.² This aspect of security seems to stand firm against the ravages of time, whilst the elements of danger and modes of protection are circumstantial, dynamic and partly embedded in the varying “security logics” inherent in alternating international political orders.³ The focus of this chapter will be on the changing features of the northern dimension of Norwegian security policy as it emerges in the systemic transition from Cold War bipolarity to the increasing multipolarity of the present.