Strengthening Nordic-Baltic Defense Capabilities: Open NORDEFCO to the Baltic States

    Abstract

    The Nordic-Baltic countries are not really a region, but a proto- region that perhaps is coming closer to being a proper region because of the changing geopolitical conditions outside the area. Russian actions in Ukraine have increased threat perception in the region and pose a fundamental and troubling challenge to the way international security has been structured in Europe since the end of the Cold War. While most of the existing defense cooperation with a view of strengthening defense capabilities has been carried out within the internationally renowned framework of NORDEFCO, there is no reason why this framework could not be extended to the Baltic states.36 A NORBALDEFCO would not only cement the prominent role of Sweden and Finland within NATO as premier partners, it would also formally continue the work begun with Baltic independ- ence after the Cold War, and furthermore strengthen the NATO aspect of Nordic-Baltic security.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAdvancing US-Nordic-Baltic Security Cooperation : Adapting Partnership to a New Security Environment
    EditorsDaniel S. Hamilton, András Simonyi, Debra Cagan
    Number of pages21
    Publisher Center for Transatlantic Relations, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University,
    Publication date22 Sept 2014
    Pages135-155
    Chapter12
    ISBN (Print)9780990772002, 0990772004
    Publication statusPublished - 22 Sept 2014

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