Norway’s Foreign Policy in the Twentieth and Twenty-first Centuries

Noble Rhetoric and National Interests

Geir K. Almlid

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN: 9783031462849
• eBook ISBN: 9783031462856
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: European History
• Index: History

This book provides an introductory analysis of Norway's foreign policy in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with a particular focus on the latter. Covering themes such as security and defence, foreign aid, and European integration, the author argues that despite often presenting itself as an idealist country and a 'peace nation,' Norwegian governments have demonstrated an understanding of power politics and a desire to, above all, promote national self- interests. The author explores the country's global relations with the US and NATO, the countries of the European Union, and great powers such as Russia and China. By adopting a historical perspective, the book demonstrates how continuity and stability have been fundamental features of contemporary Norwegian foreign policy. Drawing on a wide range of current and archival government sources, parliamentary debates, and opinion pieces in news outlets, as well as an extensive selection of academic sources, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of Norway's foreign relations.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Front Matter
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Noble Peace-Making—With Benefits
• 3. Foreign Aid: Between Good Intentions and Self-Interests
• 4. International War-Making for National Security
• 5. Dealing with Russia: A Return to Cold War Thinking
• 6. Vast Ocean Resources: Assets and Liabilities
• 7. European Outsider and Insider
• 8. Norway’s Foreign-Policy Circles of Interest
• 9. Characteristics of Norwegian Foreign Policy in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
• Back Matter