The Challenge of Oil to Norwegian Foreign Policy

Abstract

With the discovery of large petroleum deposits in the North Sea combined with the increase in oil prices, Norway has found herself sailing into uncharted waters. Ex ploitation of her petroleum resources promises to bring about wholesale changes in the society and economy of the country. It has also produced a broad range of foreign policy problems in her relations with her Nordic neighbors, as well as in the North Sea and Barents Sea areas. In addition, there are the problems related to the pace of her oil venture and the prices and profits accruing from it. The final over-all question that arises is the one related to the role Norway will play in the oil drama. Will she seek to be a leader, a middle man, or be content just to set an example? This article is intended to throw light on all of these questions, which together make up 'the challenge of oil to Norwegian foreign policy'.