Grænser for handlefrihed: Skandinaviske stater i asymmetrisk bilateralt diplomati

Abstract

in English Limits to action space: Scandinavians in bilateral diplomacy Bilateral diplomacy is not a Scandinavian favourite sport, but it has become increasingly important in today’s world. A number of cases are analysed, in which Scandinavian countries have been “disciplined” bilaterally by great powers (Russia, China, India and the US). Compared to the first 15 years, roughly, after the Cold War, with American unipolarity and EU normative power, the Scandinavians have seen a narrowing of their freedom of manoeuvre (action space). It is no longer possible, without significant costs, to criticise great powers based on universal values. In general, it is crucial for decisionmakers not to overstep their state’s freedom of manoeuvre. But on the other hand, they should not be docile and desist from occasionally challenging its limits, also considering their domestic arena. “Bastions” should be credibly construed and defended. The limits of action space are difficult to discern, but trial balloons, parallel action with related countries, or “lessons of the past” could be helpful.