Et forsvarsproblem og et mulig sikkerhetsdilemma. Allierte forsterkninger og sikkerhetspolitikk i nord, 1960–1980

Abstract

This chapter investigates two phases of Norwegian-American bilateral studies aiming to reinforce the defense of Northern Norway. The inception of this initiative can be traced back to the early 1960s, when Minister of Defense Gudmund Harlem launched an invitation policy based on the new strategic concept of “flexible response”. A major defense problem, seen from the perspective of small state Norway, was the combined effects of the geographical proximity to the Soviet Union and the peripheral location with respect large US military bases and facilities. To overcome this problem, military analysts had to find ways to combine the Norwegian doctrine of “holding time” with innovative solutions that would facilitate allied reinforcements at the earliest possible stage of a conflict. On the other hand, Norway also had to avoid a situation where allied reinforcements evolved into a security dilemma. Johan Jørgen Holst played a prominent role in that respect. First as an analyst, then as a politician, Holst, put the allied reinforcements into a comprehensive Norwegian security policy strategy. Over the course of a fifteen-year period, Holst managed to make his mark in the field through the formation of security policy concepts, defense policy practice, and diplomacy.