Irresponsible Idealism? : examining the challenges of the Norwegian approach to Civil-Military Interaction

Abstract

This report, which summarizes some of the key results of the research and analysis conducted during the CIMIC Requirements and Education in Norway (CREN) project at the University of Tromsø, wishes to contribute to opening a dialogue on Norway’s approach to civil-military interaction. The CREN project has also resulted in a soon-to-be-published book which goes into greater detail regarding the complexities of the civil-military interface which defies quick-fix solutions or policy mantras. The CREN Project had as its primary objective to assess education and training capabilities in civil-military interaction broadly speaking, and NATO CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) in particular, in Norway. The main finding of this 4 year research project is that the Norwegian policy regarding civil-military interaction, expressed as the “Norwegian model”, has significantly reduced but not improved the civil-military interaction capacity within the Norwegian military, which in turn has not led to any significant focus in training and education in this field. This report is not meant to be a final word on the subject, but is rather meant as a springboard that can open up a very complex discussion about the future of interactions between militaries and civilians. What can be concluded however, is that reducing competency for any actor in this area, and not least the military, is not an answer.