The Nordic Balance: A Security Policy Concept in Theory and Practice

Abstract

Noreen, E. The Nordic Balance: A Security Policy Concept in Theory and Practice. Cooperation and Conflict, XVIII, 1983, 43-56.

The article (1) analyses the theory of Nordic Balance, developed by A. O. Brundtland, and (2) examines the political use of the Nordic Balance concept in Norway, Sweden and Finland. The author believes that this concept can be interpreted in various ways, depending on the perspective in which it is placed. In Brundtland's description we find two perspectives: the bipolar and the Nordic. The former concerns the balance of power between the Great Power blocs, the latter is more a matter of interplay between the different models of security policy in Fenno-Scandinavia. The theoretical pre-condition — balance within the Nordic context — will thus be called into question. The problem of various interpretations affects the political use of the Nordic Balance concept. The meaning of the term is therefore dependent on the security policy context in which it is used. It is concluded that the term Nordic Balance is more confusing than elucidating and should be excluded from the vocabulary of international politics as well as defence and foreign policy.