After the end of the Cold War the security situation changed totally. This is especially true for the European North, which was and still is as far as we consider the Kola Peninsula for some strategic reasons the most militarised area of the world. This of course had serious influences on the security situation and the security policy of the Western countries. The Northern Countries with Sweden and Finland took the way of neutrality, while Norway and Denmark joined the NATO.
Now the old confrontation between West and East disappeared, so that problems relating to this do not exist anymore. But also new problems emerged and some problems only changed their face.
This essy gives a brief overview over the security challenges in the European North, it shows some possible reactions to these challenges and tries to value, if the existing Nordic Co-operation can be useful in this.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- "New" Security Challenges after the Cold War
- Possible reactions to the "new" Security Challenges
- Nordic Co-operation and "New" Security Challenges
- Literature
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text provides an overview of the security challenges facing the European North after the end of the Cold War. It examines how the region's security environment has changed and explores potential responses to these new challenges.
- The changing security environment in the European North
- The persistence of military and strategic concerns in the region
- New security challenges arising from border control and environmental issues
- Possible responses to these challenges, including military and non-military cooperation
- The role of Nordic cooperation in addressing security challenges
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The text sets the stage by discussing the dramatic shift in the security environment following the Cold War. It emphasizes the continued militarization of the region, particularly the Kola Peninsula, and the complex security challenges faced by both Western and Eastern countries.
- "New" Security Challenges after the Cold War: This chapter explores the various security challenges arising in the post-Cold War era. It examines the persistence of military tensions, the potential for conflict, and the growing importance of issues like border control and environmental protection.
- Possible reactions to the "new" Security Challenges: This chapter examines potential responses to the new security challenges. It suggests that military and strategic approaches, including cooperation and confidence-building measures, play a vital role, alongside efforts to address non-military issues such as border control and environmental protection.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This text focuses on security challenges, the European North, the Cold War, military issues, border control, environmental protection, Nordic cooperation, and potential responses to these challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the security situation in the European North change after the Cold War?
While the old East-West confrontation disappeared, the region remains highly militarized, particularly the Kola Peninsula. New challenges like border control and environmental issues have emerged alongside persistent strategic interests.
Why is the Kola Peninsula strategically significant?
The Kola Peninsula is considered one of the most militarized areas in the world due to its strategic location and the presence of significant military assets, which continues to influence the security policy of Western countries.
What are the "new" security challenges mentioned in the essay?
Beyond traditional military threats, new challenges include cross-border issues, environmental protection, and the need for non-military cooperation to ensure regional stability.
What roles do Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark play in Northern security?
Historically, Sweden and Finland took a path of neutrality, while Norway and Denmark joined NATO. The essay explores how these different positions interact within the framework of Nordic cooperation.
How useful is Nordic Cooperation in addressing these challenges?
The text evaluates whether existing Nordic Cooperation can effectively handle both military and non-military security issues through confidence-building measures and shared strategic goals.
- Quote paper
- Georg Schwedt (Author), 2001, New security challenges in the European north, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54539
