ABSTRACT
The Cold War implanted deep defence and security differences between the Nordic states, based on their strategic positions and alliance choices. The Nordic states are generally regarded as 'small states', though Sweden has had sizeable military strength and a large arms industry. The five states made an effort in the Stoltenberg Report to find the basis for common action on security matters. NATO membership meant that Denmark, Norway and Iceland - especially the first two - had increasingly close cooperation within NATO's command structures. Finland emphasized the security community side of the EU and a 'narrow notion of military non-alignment'. Sweden accepted a broad security concept - familiar from its Cold War practice - widening it to include terrorism, natural disasters and links to development and human rights. Danish foreign and security policy brought to an end the period of Denmark being a 'footnote country' in NATO.
