AbstractsPolitical Science

Over the past twenty years Norwegian security has not been threatened and large parts of Europe are inherently stable. Norway is a small power in a big world. Membership in NATO is a cornerstone of Norwegian security policy. Norway has, since 1999, deliberately moved to develop domestic capabilities to improve the ability to participate in international operations. Development of an operational doctrine focused on mobility and responsiveness form a core in the current Norwegian force structure. In addition transformation of the NIS and expansion of NORSOF are seen as credible commitments towards NATO. This thesis assesses the extent of Norwegian dependence on NATO, indirectly questions why and how Norway depends on NATO. The second element of the inquiry evaluates the consequences of this dependence through the action of Norwegian policymakers. The inquest is approached through internal and external measures, herein NATO. Through focus on two threat scenarios –day-to-day and worst-case –the thesis answers the underlying questions through a focus on: the domestic arms industry; the service branches of the Armed Forces; joint capabilities; and external NATO elements. The use of a two-pronged approach to the threat environment through the extreme opposites in a threat continuum, as seen above, enable assessment of Norwegian dependence whilst assessing the impact on resource dispositions. The thesis finds that Norway is dependent on NATO for security provision, but manages under the day-to-day scenario through domestic measures. Under the alternate scenario Norway likely withstand for a short- to medium-term before needing allied assistance. The Armed Forces have transformed, increasing quality through improved mobility, responsiveness, interoperability and niche capabilities over the past decade. Changes in the Norwegian Armed Forces, threat environment, and NATO over the past decade impel policy makers to re-evaluate Norwegian commitments. Through niche capabilities and a comprehensive high-north strategy policymakers attempt to address this imbalance. To facilitate the inquests a neo-realistic framework is applied in a single case multiple-N case study in the effort to understand the role of a small state in interstate relations. In this environment states compete, sometimes escalating to armed conflict, making the security provisions of this small state of interest. Combining internal and external measures to security with its associated costs and benefits provide insight towards understanding inter-state games.