"Competitors" of Norwegian Foreign Ministers: The "Disabilities" of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Home Court

• Published in: Internasjonal politikk Vol. 68; no. 1; pp. 131 - 137
• Main Author: Graeger, Nina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Norwegian
• Published: 01.01.2010
• Subjects: Business; European policy; Foreign affairs administration; Foreign Policy; Globalization; Government departments; International Cooperation; International Relations; Ministers (Political); Norway; Policy making; Political actors
• ISSN: 0020-577X

During the Cold War the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was almost uncontested in its foreign policy role, a position that has become challenged since the 1990's due to the internationalization, globalization and europeanization of the world. In its European policy the ministry is challenged by business, non-profit organizations, political parties and regional/local governments. Due to Norway's role in peace operations, the foreign policy leeway of NGOs and the Norwegian Ministry of Development Cooperation has grown, and in addition the Norwegian Ministry of Defence has taken a stronger foreign policy position. All of these events have reduced the political power of the Norwegian foreign ministers, who have largely responded by emphasizing their role in the bigger picture of promoting security and peace throughout the world. Adapted from the source document.