Societal Security and Iceland (EN)

Authors

  • Alyson J.K. Bailes
  • Þröstur Freyr Gylfason

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13177/irpa.b.2008.4.1.1

Abstract

The doctrine of "societal security" is applied in some other Nordic countries to coordinate policy and action on all (non-military) internal emergencies, terrorist, man-made or natural. It stresses a society-based rather than sovereignty-based outlook and should empower economic and social actors to help build their own security. An elite opinion survey in Iceland, spring 2008, suggests that many Icelanders would welcome such an approach as a way to update, balance, and widen ownership of national security policies. Many think it would help avoid any departmental monopoly and enhance the head of government’s coordinating role. The concept would however need major adaptation to Iceland’s threat profile - where natural disasters and economic interdependence loom larger - and in order to preserve independent non-state competences such as the volunteer rescue force. An Icelandic move in this direction could facilitate cooperation with the Nordic group but also EU and other institutions.

Author Biographies

Alyson J.K. Bailes

Visiting Professor of Political Science at the University of Iceland.

Þröstur Freyr Gylfason

Political scientist and research assistant.

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Published

2010-06-15

How to Cite

Bailes, A. J., & Gylfason, Þröstur F. (2010). Societal Security and Iceland (EN). Icelandic Review of Politics & Administration, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.13177/irpa.b.2008.4.1.1

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Section

Articles and speeches

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