Changes in the Norwegian Central Crisis Management After the Terrorist Attacks in 2011

Abstract

This chapter addresses organizational change within the field of societal security in Norway after the terrorist attacks on 22 July 2011, focusing on the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. We describe changes in the internal organization and external relations focusing on formal structure, networks, demography and regulatory arrangements. Structural changes, replacement of executives, regulatory changes and network arrangements have been introduced. The changes have been within the existing administrative order. The ministry’s role as a lead and coordinating ministry has been strengthened, but within the constraints of the principle of ministerial responsibility. The terrorist attack did not lead to a major and immediate change. The changes can instead be understood as gradual institutional change in line with the Norwegian tradition of pragmatic incremental reforms.