Long-Term Prospects for Nordic-Baltic Security: Diagnostic Statements by211 Governments in the Baltic Sea Region, December 1996-July 1997

摘要

Nordic, Baltic and Russian policymakers' own statements are used to convey their211u001ethinking about their country's security environment during the months before 211u001eNATO's Madrid summit in July 1997. The time seemed ripe for a shift of alignments 211u001efor the former neutrals. When Russia in February declared a Baltic policy that 211u001eplaced the Baltic States inside a Russian security sphere, Norway voiced 211u001eunderstanding for Russian concerns. Finland and Sweden were more critical of 211u001eRussia but sought to reduce the potential for confrontation in the region. Danish 211u001epolicy seemed to accept the risk of confrontation with Russia to support the 211u001eBaltic States. Icelandic policy also promoted Baltic NATO memberships. These 211u001econtrasts show primarily the impact of different geopolitical situations.