Security in the Northern European Flank

Abstract

Security in the European northern flank has always been about balancing different sets of demands set by powerful actors. The current environment stems from Russian actions in the Crimea and eastern Ukraine. These, in turn, are (mostly) rooted in problematic confrontational relations between Russia and the US and NATO. Another set of challenges stem from the vulnerabilities of modern societies, as well as risks to the Baltic Sea environment, China’s interest in the Arctic, nuclear weapons in the near neighbourhood, the weaknesses of the EU’s common defence, and NATO’s role in the region. A number of activities are being carried out to meet these challenges, varying from traditional multilateral, trilateral and bilateral initiatives (the list is long) to grass-root level activities by officials, non-government organizations and academia.

The complexity of the challenges necessitates a comprehensive understanding for planning successful responses. NATO and the EU have taken steps in the right direction in attempting to promote science’s role in decision-making. Yet, more needs to be done, so that security-political understanding, and planning, is based on scientific knowledge. The Nordic countries are in a position to lead by example.