New Territories and New Problems in Norwegian Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract

In proportion to the country's size, population and economy, Norway has a greater stake in the exploration and exploitation of new territories than almost any other nation. The natural resources on the continental shelf may be so large that they will dominate Norway's economy in the future. Opposite pressures of international demand for rapid development of Norwegian oil resources and the national desire to limit growth and prevent its upsetting effects upon the economy, illustrate some of the new problems the country now faces in its foreign relations. Continental shelf wealth – together with the fact that shelf activities may be carried out in the strategically important Barents Sea area – also raises some specific security issues.