Norsk og dansk forsvarspolitikk etter den kalde krigen: Mellom geopolitikk og strategisk kultur

Abstract

The article deals with the differences between Norwegian and Danish defence policy in the period 1990 to 2010. Whereas Denmark chose to give priority to expeditionary forces for combat operations abroad, Norway was more focused on territorial defence. It is argued that one important reason was the geopolitical differences; Denmark was suddenly freed from territorial threats, while Norway shared a border with an unpredictable Russia. However, a range of different defence policies could have been pursued within this context. It can be argued that the divisive factor driving rapid orientation towards expeditionary missions in Denmark was the desire of key policymakers to pursue such a new policy, while the Norwegian leadership wanted continuity. The active use of the Danish Armed Forces, in turn, changed Denmark's strategic culture when it came to the use of military power, while Norway's armed forces were more closely tied to the traditional Nordic position on sovereignty and the use of force. © Universitetsforlaget.