Norwegian Security Policy After The Cold War

Norwegian Security Policy after the Cold War

Despite widespread diplomatic discussion, and sentiment that the UN Security

Council must be expanded in order to maintain its long-term legitimacy, no generally acceptable formula for expansion has emerged. Concerns for obtaining or retaining voting power, and for preserving a body structured so as to be able to take prompt and effective decisions, have prevented agreement. This article reviews various criteria for evaluating restructuring proposals, and suggests a formula that, while not fundamentally affecting the distribution of power on the

Council, might satisfy many states' minimal requirements for an acceptable package of changes.

The end of the Cold War between East and West has strengthened Norwegian security, which makes Norway no different from most other European countries.

There are now more dimensions to security policy than there were when the overriding aim was deterrence by means of one's own and allied military forces.

Cold War perceptions of military threat no longer exist. In Norway's particular case, however, it is possible to talk about a remaining strategic threat, when referring to Russian deployments in the far north. Such a threat is only a potential one and is not imminent today. Yet it has to be acknowledged that wars between nations and ethnic groups have hardly been abolished. As a result, it has become more difficult to identify the risk of armed aggression directed against Norway The risk would seem to reside in the escalation of a whole series of completely different political developments. For example, these eventualities could take the form of the emergence of a nationalistic dictatorship, or the development of ungovernable political chaos in formerly communist countries.

Because of the existence of some very large arsenals and supplies of military equipment, it is important to judge the political aims of potential opponents.

These can change over time, not least if they represent irrational and aggressive attitudes. The nuclear weapons of the great powers do not seem to have any deterrent effect on "violent ethnic cleansing", and the emergence of armed conflicts in different areas can be difficult to predict.

But a country's security can also be subject to something that has become more topical after the Cold War: low level threats. These are related to some very different types of irregular national border transgressions, for example international crime and various forms of pollution.

The Cold War's dominating concept, security by means of deterrence, is complemented by the concept of collective security. This harmonises well with the traditional Norwegian approach to security policy of combining deterrence with reassurance. The potential enemy is also a partner. A small country has no