Security and defense on NATO's northern flank
On 4 September 2023, Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC) and the University of Tromsø (UiT) – The Arctic University of Norway hosted a conference which delved into the evolving trends and challenges in regional security on NATO's northern flank.
The gathering was set against the backdrop of an upcoming research anthology dedicated to the same theme, slated for release in autumn 2023. The event witnessed the physical presence of around 80 participants, including media representatives from NRK – The Norwegian National Broadcaster, and attracted over 200 digital attendees.
The conference sought to establish a dynamic forum for experts and scholars to dissect and deliberate on the multifaceted nature of security, power dynamics, and operational strategies in the Arctic, focusing particularly on NATO's northern flank. The goal was to illuminate the changing security landscape in the Arctic and highlight the strategic imperatives of principal actors in the region.
Opening
The event was inaugurated with an address by Dag Rune Olsen, Rector of the University of Tromsø, followed by presentations from the research project leaders. These included Njord Wegge from the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC), Stian Bones from UiT, Lon Strauss from Marine Corps University, and Steinar Torset from NDUC. Ine Eriksen Søreide, MP and Chair of The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, contributed with a keynote speech titled “Arctic Security in a Time of Change. Where do Norway and the Nordic States Go From Here?“
Sessions, panels, and discussions
The conference organised a series of thematic sessions that provided a deep dive into security concerns, power projection, and operational tactics on NATO's northern flank. Discussions spanned the Russian Northern Sea Route, Russia's warfare strategies in the Arctic, historical defence challenges in Northern Norway, and NATO's doctrines among other topics.
Participants engaged in discussions about the strategic interests of various nations in the Arctic. Presentations shed light on the U.S. National Strategy for the Arctic, integrated naval deterrence, and the significance of special operations forces in the region, offering fresh perspectives on emerging defence strategies.
The conference included a dedicated session exploring the roles and strategic interests of NATO's northern flank states such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. Discussions encompassed Norway's strategic significance, the implications of Finnish and Swedish NATO membership, and Denmark's contributions to Arctic security.
Beyond the main sessions, the conference offered parallel panel discussions on a range of topics including innovation in the Arctic, shifts in Nordic defense planning, and the legal dimensions of defence in the digital domain. These panels facilitated a more nuanced examination of specific Arctic security issues.
Conclusion
In summary, the conference endeavored to offer an expansive view of the security challenges and prospects in the Arctic, emphasizing NATO's northern flank. It successfully convened a diverse group of experts and researchers, fostering an exchange of valuable insights and research findings.
