ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how the Nordic–UN relationship has undergone three distinct phases: An early period characterized by scepticism, a second dominated by a high degree of altruism and unity, and a third characterized by a more business-like approach dominated by cost–benefit calculations and national approaches. It reviews the literature and constructs a framework of analysis guiding the empirical analysis and summarizes its main points and assesses its implications for the future Nordic-UN relationship. National interest is broadly understood as all of the arguments in favour of UN aid and peacekeeping that emphasize national security, welfare, international prestige and position together with cost–benefit calculations related to the possible risks in blood and treasure. The Nordic rise to international stardom was underpinned by intensified and institutionalized information-sharing, cooperation at the Nordic level and by the creation of national institutions to manage the increasing aid and troop contributions.
