"Scandinavian security and intelligence: The European Union, the WEU and NATO"

Weller, Geoffrey R. (1997) "Scandinavian security and intelligence: The European Union, the WEU and NATO". In European Union Studies Association (EUSA) > Biennial Conference > 1997 (5th), May 29-June 1, 1997, pages 25, Seattle, WA.

Abstract

This paper analyses the evolving nature of Scandinavian security and intelligence in the era after the Second World War. The argument is made that in this era Scandinavia was so strategically placed that a great deal of intelligence activity occurred in the region. This activity was mainly Soviet related and somewhat divided as a consequence of Finland and Sweden being officially neutral and Denmark and Norway being members of NATO. However, it is pointed out that behind the scenes the neutral states assisted the Scandinavian NATO members and other NATO nations in intelligence matters. The argument is then made that many recent developments have markedly changed the situation in Scandinavia. These developments include the break up of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the entry of Sweden and Finland into the European Union, the rise of more varied forms of terrorism, and the rise of a broader definition of the concept of security--one that includes such matters as transnational crime and economic security. Finally, it is argued that these changes have affected the intelligence agencies of the Scandinavian nations in ways that open up the possibility of closer and more open cooperation between them, between them and the Baltic States, and between them and the security elements of the European Union, the Western European Union (WEU), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).