Centring Security in a Peripheral State

Despite its distance from the conflict, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has had significant consequences for Iceland’s foreign and security policy. The country finds itself in the midst of geopolitical turmoil. Against this backdrop, Iceland’s role in the Arctic and its strategic location along the GIUK gap are becoming increasingly important. This makes Reykjavik an indispensable partner for Euro-Atlantic cooperation. 

Our new paper Centring Security in a Peripheral State examines recent transformations in Iceland’s security and defence policy and highlights shifts in emphasis and strategic outlooks.

The paper provides 

• Background on Iceland’s historical security approach; 

• Insights into its evolving connection to the European Union; 

• Overview of current security challenges and perspectives and 

• Policy recommendations for German, Nordic and European policymakers.

Key take-aways: 

• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reshaped Iceland’s security as a state and is bringing military security to the fore. 

• Despite current challenges, the US remains Iceland’s key guarantor for security. 

• Additionally, Iceland is increasingly investing in defence partnerships with European countries such as Germany.

• Despite increased financial contributions to national defence, there are no plans of establishing an own military. 

• As geopolitical competition in the Arctic and beyond increases, Iceland’s growing strategic importance will make it an even more vital ally in transatlantic security. 

If you want to find out more about Iceland’s Security Policy, click here: Centring Security in a Peripheral State

About the authors:

Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir is Professor of International Affairs at the University of Iceland with a research focus on Icelandic foreign policy and national security, Arctic politics, gender and security studies as well as feminist International Relations. 

Guðbjörg Ríkey Th. Hauksdóttir is a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Iceland, and Affiliate at Harvard Belfer Center’s Arctic Initiative, with a specialization in Arctic Security and Governance as well as China and Russia in the Arctic.