Security and Defence in Northern Europe

The Security and Defence in Northern Europe Research Programme (SNE) examines the defence and security challenges facing Northern Europe, and aims to provide fresh insights into how the region’s nations can respond, both individually and collectively.




US Dept of Defense / Marine Corps Master Sgt. Chad McMeen


The three-year project running from January 2019 to December 2021, explores aspects of security and defence of importance to Northern Europe. It analyses security and defence cooperation, with a particular focus on NATO. In addition, the Programme focuses on non-conventional challenges, the relation between deterrence and reassurance measures, and the strategic implication of technological development.

Through research projects, collaboration with international partners, conferences and seminars, the purpose is to provide insights into the dynamic development of the security situation and cooperative patterns in the region.

US Dept of Defense / Marine Corps Master Sgt. Chad McMeen

Aims and objectives

At a time of rising tensions, unpredictable challenges and emerging technologies, security pressures on Northern Europe are significant and increasing. Both individually and collectively, nations need to understand the threats, risks and opportunities, and explore how to strengthen security cooperation.

This projects brings RUSI experts together with colleagues from the Germany Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS), and the US Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Through national and collaborative workshops and publications, they will explore how best to respond to the challenges.

Project sponsor

  • Norwegian Ministry of Defence

    This project is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.

Project outputs


Access the key outputs of this research project.

DGAP Report: NATO's 2030 Reflection Process and the New Strategic Concept

This report from the Security in Northern Europe (SNE) project presents contemporary views on NATO's Strategic Concept 2030 from Berlin, London, Oslo, and Washington D.C. - By Robin Marc Allers, Rachel Ellehuus, Dr. Claudia Major, Dr. Christian Mölling, Paul O'Neill, and Johannes Gullestad Rø - January 2022

Security in Northern Europe in the Biden Era: Redesigning Multilateralism

Read the report by Rachel Ellehuus, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), April 29 2021

RUSI Newsbrief
Space as an Operational Domain: What Next for NATO?
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The UK’s Integrated Review Has Restarted: Are Key Questions and Assumptions Still Valid?
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NATO 2030: Difficult Times Ahead
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The Global Pandemic, Transatlantic Security and National Defence

Read the report by Johannes Gullestad Rø, Ingeborg Bjur, Karen-Anna Eggen and Robin Allers (eds.) IFS Insight, 2020

We Need to Relearn How to do Deterrence
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NATO vs Russia at 70
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European Allies in US Multi-Domain Operations