ABSTRACT
In an ideal world, it would be possible to describe NATO strategy in simple terms. This is, however, more easily said than done. The well known "flexible response" is not so much a military strategy as a political declaration, which provides an umbrella for a number of a national doctrines. Furthermore, it is necessary to examine two different strategic concepts. One applies to central Europe and the other to the Atlantic. The nordic area lies between these two. Until recently, the main NATO military commands have given it less attention than it deserves.
