Coordinating for Crisis Management in Norway after the Terrorist Attack in 2011

Abstract

The Norwegian government’s responsibility for crisis management and internal security and safety came under scrutiny after the devastating terrorist attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya on 22 July 2011. A total of 77 people, mainly youths, were killed by a lone perpetrator. A public inquiry into the events raised serious criticism towards the governments’ crisis management (NOU, 2012: 14). Lack of preparedness, failing central crisis management, leadership and culture and a fragmented structure was at the heart of the discussions. Important adjustments in government arrangements for preparedness and crisis management have been introduced since.