The dual ‘dual’ policy: Two conceptions of ‘deterrence and reassurance’ in Norwegian security policy and analyses

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article argues that the conceptual basis for the Norwegian policy framed by ‘deterrence and reassurance’ towards the Soviet Union/Russia has consisted of two divergent ‘balancing acts’. One is ‘calibrated deterrence’, where reassurance is the means to ‘balance’ the deterrent effect. The other is a ‘balance’ between two theoretically conflicting means of achieving security: calibrated deterrence, versus reassurance understood as efforts and means to achieve common security. The argument implies that reassurance balancing deterrence has represented different things according to its use. Clarifying these distinct dyads improves our theoretical understanding of how states conduct their deterrent policies.