The North as a Multidimensional Strategic Arena

Abstract

Since 1945, the Nordic governments, aware of the increasing strategic importance of their area, have tempered military response with policies favoring restraint and détente and over the years have created their own pattern of security policies. Mr. Gorbachev's New Thinking in foreign policy has affected the Nordic region: some of the states feel less of a threat than before, though new elements of uncertainty have entered the strategic equation. The Nordic states are economically important and have also developed their maritime resources, leading to some jurisdictional disputes. The five countries have had some problems with the institutional framework for their relationships with other West European states. Rapidly changing events on the continent of Europe provide a good opportunity for a reconsideration of relations in the economic as well as military sphere.