| dc.description.abstract | The overarching argument after the Cold War was that stability, prosperity and cooperation
would be the defining nature of the European security landscape and prevent inter-state wars
from happening. This thesis argue that this view was abruptly questioned after the Russian
annexation of Crimea in 2014. Western perceptions of Russia took a sharp U-turn and what
was once described as a valuable partner, was now portrayed as aggressive and expansionist.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the cleavages between the West and Russia
were absolute. Once a prosperous partnership had been replaced by fear and uncertainty.
To explain the complex relationships in the system and Norwegian security perspectives. The
thesis explores and analyse the Fokus documents, more specifically the threat assessments of
the Norwegian Intelligence Service. The findings that emerge from these documents
contribute to the understanding of how a changing Russian world view serve as drivers of
change with the intention of a new multipolar world order. By utilizing IR theories and
concepts, the thesis explores the fundamental structure of the international system, while
arguing that balance of power theory enhances the understanding of motivations behind
change. In this thesis the security dilemma explores how the cleavages between the West and
Russia, create uncertainty and security deficits through an uncontrollable spiral.
The thesis seeks to understand, portray and discuss the changes in Norwegian security, and its
perception towards Russia and external developments in the near abroad. The use of foreign
policy theory and the concept of subjective security explore the motivations behind dominant
security narratives that influence changes in Norwegian foreign policy.
Through the analysis and discussion of Fokus documents, the thesis argues that developments,
conflicting world views and hostile intentions between the West and Russia has shaped and
influence the social and interconnected relationship between Norway and Russia. Despite
cleavages and conflicting world views, both Norway and Russia maintain the idea of a stable
and low-tension Arctic. The thesis argues that understanding and clear intentions are the only
measures left to ensure that the relations between Russia and the West, remain cold. | |
