Policy brief
Published:
Deterrence and (Re)assurance in the High North – Finland and Norway Compared
Summary:
- Finland and Norway are both frontline states to Russia with a similar deterrence and defense strategy.
- Finland’s geopolitical position as a frontline state is mainly defined by the long land border to Russia. Norway is predominantly a maritime frontline state.
- Norway is both a frontline state and a rear area for staging support to military operations in the Nordic Region.
- Geography is a factor influencing the different approaches in Finland and Norway to foreign military activity near Russia. Also, proximity to nuclear forces and test areas.
- Finland’s geopolitical position as a frontline state is mainly defined by the long land border to Russia. Norway is predominantly a maritime frontline state.
- Norway is both a frontline state and a rear area for staging support to military operations in the Nordic Region.
- Geography is a factor influencing the different approaches in Finland and Norway to foreign military activity near Russia. Also, proximity to nuclear forces and test areas.