German–Norwegian relations in security and defence: What kind of partnership?

Bjørn Olav Knutsen

doi:10.1177/17816858211001228

Abstract

The article contributes to the debate on European defence cooperation and integration by analysing the German–Norwegian security and defence partnership. I define this partnership as being based upon mutual interests and values, and one in which the minor partner has important resources to contribute which accord with the larger partner’s interests and values. The article analyses this partnership within the framework of European integration and Atlantic cooperation, and in terms of how the discourse on strategic autonomy shapes the partnership. The article discusses two specific areas of cooperation, the High North and German–Norwegian collaboration on defence procurement. When analysing this relationship, I argue that Norway applies strategies such as acting as an external resource, adaptation and shielding to influence German policies vital to Norwegian security.

Highlights

In the Norwegian government’s strategy paper for Germany, made public in June 2019, the government states that Germany is ‘
The aim of this article is to achieve a better understanding of how the bilateral German–Norwegian security and defence partnership is evolving and what underpins it
It is up to the Norwegian authorities to develop strategic thinking regarding the country’s relationship with Germany. This is especially true on issues such as protecting the High North and securing German support when important decisions on European security are made

Summary

Introduction

In the Norwegian government’s strategy paper for Germany, made public in June 2019, the government states that Germany is ‘. It is up to the Norwegian authorities to develop strategic thinking regarding the country’s relationship with Germany This is especially true on issues such as protecting the High North and securing German support when important decisions on European security are made. Shielding is a strategy aimed at limiting German or EU influence on Norwegian security This might be appropriate if there are divergences on security and defence policy that become too large. Such strategies would be useless if German authorities considered Norway to be of less interest to them. . The same applies to the German– Dutch and German–Norwegian cooperation that we want to expand’ (Koalitionsvertrag 2018, 146) Since both parties are interested in closer cooperation, a security and defence partnership is evolving. A conclusion and try to pinpoint in which direction the German–Norwegian partnership might head

Common interests and values?

Conclusions

Author biography