Norway`s pivot to Europe. An analysis of Norwegian security policy direction.

Abstract

There is limited research done on whether Norway is in the process of shifting its security focus away from a transatlantic focus to a European focus. Such a shift would be completely unthinkable until recently, on grounds of Norwegian dependency of the US as its main security provider. Is this still the case? It is interesting to see what kind of effect the changes in international relations has on Norwegian policy. There are doubts in Europe on future American commitment to the region, Germany has gradually accepted more responsibility on security matters, and the EU have long been in the process of becoming a major security policy actor. The US diverted a lot of focus away from Europe with its pivot to the Pacific, and the current administration seem to be at odds with Europe on many issues, both trade and global governance. This thesis will analyze these developments and a Norwegian and German perspective, in order to see if Norway indeed is shifting its security policy focus closer to Europe.