How important is the right balance between deterrence and détente for today’s strategic thinking? Next Thursday we invite everyone to join us for a constructive discussion on this in Kirkenes.

To avoid an uncontrollable military escalation between the two heavily armed military blocks, finding the right balance between deterrence and détente has dominated much of the strategic thinking of both sides throughout the Cold War. Deterrence must be credible to demonstrate one’s own resolve to collectively respond to any offensive action taken by the other side. Yet, détente must also be credible as to ensure that defensive measures are not misperceived and trigger unintended military escalation.

Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and role in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine as well as subsequent sanctions from the West, the security situation in Europe has again intensified. At the same time, weare also witnessing an increased combination of military and non-military means to pursue political goals such as cyber-attacks and operations to influence public opinions abroad. The situation has further worsened after the recent poisoning of former Russian GRU-agent Sergej Skripal in Salisbury, England.

How important is the right balance between deterrence and détente for today’s strategic thinking? What does finding this balance imply for Norway? What role does Norway play in this new security environment and what consequences does it have for Northern Norway and our boarder towards our Eastern neighbour? How do the recent developments look like from the Russian side?

Speakers:

  • Eldar Berli, former chief of the Northern Brigade in the Norwegian Army
  • Kristian Berg Harpviken, former director and researcher at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo (PRIO)
  • Lars Georg Fordal, head of the Barents Secretariat
  • Alexander Sergunin, professor in International Relations, St.Petersburg State University

In co-operation with UiT – Norges arktiske universitet and Pikene på Broen, UTSYN – Forum for utenriks og sikkerhet would like to invite you to join us for a constructive discussion at Terminal B in Kirkenes, on April 19th 2018, at 19:00.

Welcome!

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