Patterns of Nordicity: A case study on the existence of a Nordic profile in the OSCE

Abstract: This thesis explores the state of regional cooperation, particularly in the field of security, among Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Norden). The author examines correlation between a set of socially constructed factors and the creation of a common Nordic profile in a regional security organization, the OSCE. Formally, Norden is divided in the EU and the non-EU members, but unofficial Nordic cooperation is the one with the real consequences, developing Norden as a social power in the OSCE. The author concludes that despite no formal grouping in the OSCE, Norden acts as a unit for a common Nordic “good”. By creating a checklist of indicators as the model of analysis, combining four different theories – small states theory, imagined security community theory, identity activation theory and institutional measurement theory, the author intends to discuss the degree of Nordicity in the case of the OSCE and relation between a Nordic identity and lack of a formal institutional profile in the organization. The empirical material is based on the interviews with the EU and Nordic officials as well as examination of documents on Nordic cooperation from Norwegian and Swedish governments.