Transatlantic Security – Challenges and Opportunities

Norwegian security policy has had a transatlantic foothold for at least 70 years. In the foreseeable future, the United States will remain Norways’s most important security guarantor and partner in defense and security. This reflects US overall interest in Europe, primarily in the NATO framework, and Russa’s maritime and nuclear forces in the north that constitute a challenge to US and transatlantic security. That all Nordic countries will become members of NATO will contribute to deepening the USA engagement in Northern Europe.

However, we must prepare for the fact that American policy may undergo major shifts. The United States increased awareness of Asia may lead to less vigorous engagement in Europe and a change in form. The demographic and geographical center of gravity of the United States is moving away from the east coast with its traditional connection to Europe. In two or six years, there will be a new president who might be less enthusiastic about the transatlantic partnership. It is even more important than before to understand the American scene and the long-term consequence of foreign and security policy, regardless of administration.

After Brexit, the UK has an ambition to be a global security actor. It has at the same time increased its interest for Northern Europe, particularly within the framework of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). There is every reason to pay close attention to its further development as it poses an opportunity for Norway to further strengthen its bilateral security cooperation.

This project will analyze developments in transatlantic security policy. The project will include researchers from all three countries, and the goal is to contribute to a greater understanding of current and future challenges and opportunities in the transatlantic relationship for Norway, the USA and the United Kingdom.