The Illusory Nordic Balance: Threat Scenarios in Nordic Security Planning

Abstract

Lindberg, S. The Illusory Nordic Balance: Threat Scenarios in Nordic Security Planning. Cooperation and Conflict, XVI, 1981, 57-70.

This article outlines a number of threat scenarios which might disturb the stability of the Nordic region and which have not been given sufficient attention in Nordic defense planning. The concept of a Nordic balance is central to security-political planning in the Nordic countries. Recent developments both in the global bipolarity and within the Nordic region may, however, erode the functionality of the existing security-political solutions. The Nordic balance conception, the author argues, may thus become illusory and even dangerous.