The Art of Adaptation: Explaining changes in Nordic security and defense policy

Abstract: Changes in Nordic security have been discussed often recently in light of the emergence of the European Security and Defense Policy. Taken up primarily by constructivist arguments, much of the work asserts that Nordic security policy is changing in light of the increasing significance of the European Union's security dimensions and even becoming Europeanized. However, this essay argues that security and defense still lie close to the heart of sovereign states. Using Nikolaj Petersen's adaptation theory, the argument presented here brings the focus of Nordic security change back within a rational theoretical lens. Using Finland and Sweden as examples, the discussion aims at demonstrating how member states use a calculated strategy of balanced adaptation to secure national interests, but also remain credible partners in the integration process. It is a game of give-and-take, which ultimately results in visible influence exerted onto the ESDP by two small countries from the North.