Participation in Peace Support Operations for Small Countries: The Case of Norway

Abstract

Norway's growing participation in international missions has challenged both civilian and military perceptions of the ideal role of the Norwegian military. The armed forces' overall purpose has gone from homeland defence to being a security policy instrument. At the same time, the traditional humanitarian profile of Norway's foreign deployments has been replaced by a more distinct military role. Although politically initiated, the restructuring of the Norwegian armed forces has political implications that may be difficult to accept. A defence structure adapted to high-intensity operations abroad entails new political choices, but for small countries, such as Norway, political choices are also constricted as a result of closer integration with multinational force structures. Furthermore, a much smaller structure combined with high international ambitions places a heavy strain on military personnel and their families. Thus far, political and military leaders in Norway have largely agreed on the overall direction of military reforms. However, military authorities have signalled that ample budgets are required, along with further geographical concentration of forces in Norway and a continued commitment to international force integration. All these measures come at a high political cost.