ABSTRACT
The nordic countries are not in an enviable situation. Geography has made them neighbors of an insecure nation, which believes that it is its destiny to become a global power. For that purpose, it requires a large navy. This navy needs an ice free base with access to the world's oceans, and the only one it has in Europe is a stone's throw from the nordic countries. On the other hand, the other great power and its allies fear this growing naval power. They have, therefore, in recent years improved their defense posture in this part of the world. The nordic countries are not finding it easy to adapt to this environment.
