CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY

Abstract

The article analyzes the conceptual foundations of the foreign policy strategy of theKingdomofNorway. It is noted that the influence of the state and the ability to achieve its goals in the foreign policy arena are largely associated with the country's strategic priorities. The approaches to the definition of the concept of “strategy” are described, which describe the behavioral motives for choosing strategic objectives and priorities. When choosing a strategy, it is necessary to assess the value of available resources and choose the most important goal, the achievement of which will be directed to further efforts, taking into account their usefulness for the country. The article explores the evolution of the Norwegian foreign policy discourse. It is noted that Norway’s foreign policy discourse as a sovereign state is based on a combination of two areas - Norway’s vulnerable position in the international arena as a small country and the need for political elites to reach consensus on foreign policy. The development of foreign policy ofNorwaytook place within the framework of three paradigms - neutralism, moralism and internationalism, which were formed due to the specifics of the identity ofNorwayas a small country. Scientists note that the coexistence of the three paradigms in the foreign policy ofNorwaywas the result of the so-called bifurcation between the security policy and diplomacy of values. It is noted that the main interests of Norway since the 90s began to concentrate in the field of transnational economic activity, promoting the idea of global governance; Norway's new foreign policy priority has become an “engagement policy,” which was based on foreign policy efforts to overcome development problems, provide humanitarian assistance, maintain peace, and mitigate the effects of climate change. It is concluded thatNorwayimplements a foreign policy strategy based on the principle of “coherence,” which implies the relationship betweenNorway’s security policy and world political stability in general.