National Security in the Era of Trump and Putin

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National Security in the Era of Trump and Putin

The world around us is changing rapidly, and the security environment facing Norway is more unpredictable than it has been for decades. War in Europe, an increasingly confrontational Russia, growing geopolitical rivalry and changes in the transatlantic relationship have brought questions of national security and preparedness to the forefront once again.

What does this development mean for Norway?

National security is about how a society responds to the most serious threats it faces – and how we prepare for a reality in which both military and non-military means can be used to influence, weaken or challenge a country.

Norway's Prime Minister has described the country's current security situation as the most serious since the Second World War. At the same time, Norway occupies a strategically important position in Europe, with its proximity to Russia, important maritime areas and critical infrastructure.

What characterizes the new threat environment facing NATO and Norway? How do developments under Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin affect Norway's room for manoeuvre in security policy? And how can Norway safeguard its national security if threats increase while the transatlantic relationship continues to evolve?
Booking
  • Culture and history
Group size
  • Group Activity
Duration
  • 1-2 hours

Description

These are some of the key questions at the heart of an informative event hosted by Narvik Civil-Military Society and Foreningen Solheimsbrakka, bringing together leading experts and political decision-makers for an hour of discussion and insight.

The first speaker is Anders Romarheim, political scientist and Associate Professor at the Norwegian Defence University College, with a PhD in War Studies. He will provide a broader perspective on the changing international security environment and examine how Norway can navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.

We will then hear from Tom Røseth, political scientist, senior lecturer in intelligence studies and head of the Ukraine Programme at the Norwegian Defence University College. His presentation will focus on Russian intelligence as a threat actor in Ukraine, Europe and Northern Norway.

How does Russia operate inside Ukraine? What lessons can be drawn from the war? And what relevance does this have for Norway – particularly when it comes to how we organize our society, businesses and everyday lives as security and insecurity become increasingly important factors in our decisions?

The event concludes with a panel discussion and questions from the audience, bringing political perspectives together with expertise from the fields of security and intelligence.

The panel includes:

Bård Ludvig Thorheim, Member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Conservative Party and parliamentary group leader in the Standing Committee on Business and Industry, with a background from E-14 and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bent-Joacim Bentzen, Member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Centre Party, spokesperson on justice policy, and a former military officer and State Secretary.

The panel will explore how political priorities are shaped when external threats are mounting – and what it takes to make sound and timely decisions when the security environment can change rapidly.

The discussion will be moderated by Bjørn Rønningen of Narvik Civil-Military Society and Erlend Hagenes of Foreningen Solheimsbrakka.

Join us for an hour of current affairs, expert perspectives and an open conversation with some of Norway's leading voices on national security and political decision-making.

Save the date and join us at the library.

We look forward to seeing you!