Civilian-Based Defence in a New Era A Keynote Address

Abstract

The paper proceeds from the premise that Europe is at the crossroads. The last empire in Europe is in the process of dissolution. In this context the position of Norway as a peripheral country bordering on the Soviet Union in a strategic area is outlined. Four alternative orders in Europe are outlined leading to the conclusion that a community order constitutes the most viable and stable option. The European Community constitutes the core in the new reconstruction. Six propositions are advanced concerning the future of the EC. The future security order is even less discernible than the political order. The author advances six propositions concerning key elements of the security arrangements in Europe. The paper concludes by a call for a broad vision and a warning about the distoring effects of a Euro-centric outlook.