This event was part of Arendalsuka 2023 Follow this link to watch the recording of the event (in Norwegian)
Stefan Löfven, former Prime Minister of Sweden, and Knut Storberget, former Norwegian Minister of Justice, gave the key introductions at the PRIO-hosted event on Nordic security, discussing the need for a foreign and security policy where the Nordic countries can work together as one integrated fighting force. The event explored the similarities and differences in how Norway and Sweden understand Nordic security, highlighting what foreign policy adjustments are being made to align with the new security policy landscape since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Both Löfven and Storberget emphasized how Sweden and Norway have implemented various measures to adapt to the evolving threat landscape, but also drew attention to the challenges.
Sweden and Finland's past nonalignment may have helped reduce tensions, according to Löfven. However, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, joining NATO was Sweden's only viable option, despite the potential for increased tensions with Russia. Löfven also points out that Sweden's entry into NATO will further strengthen the already well-established relationship between Norway and Sweden.
Norway will have a new and evolving role in NATO with Finland and Sweden joining the alliance, according to Storberget, as Norway will be expected to serve as a transit hub for eastward transport. Storberget expressed concerns that Norway is not adequately prepared for this new responsibility, claiming that the current civilian infrastructure is far from fit for the task.
Three PRIO researchers participated in the panel discussion following the key introductions. Louise Olsson emphasized the critical connection between security policy and equality, advocating for the integration of gender perspectives and the prioritization of equality in security politics. Kristian Berg Harpviken called for expanding public discourse on defense issues, emphasizing the need to include a wide range of perspectives. Pavel Baev suggested that Russia would likely exploit the tensions between Turkey and Sweden within NATO, aiming to prolong these conflicts and thereby weaken the alliance. PRIO Director Henrik Urdal led the session and moderated the debate.
Contributing to this debate were:
- Stefan Löfven, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Co-Chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, and Chair of the Governing Board at Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Knut Storberget, former Norwegian Minister of Justice and leader of the Norwegian Defense Commission
- Henrik Urdal, Director of Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
- Kristian Berg Harpviken, Research Professor at Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
- Louise Olsson, Senior Researcher at Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
- Pavel Baev, Research Professor at Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
