The High North — A new playing field emerges

Since Sweden and Finland joined NATO, the alliance’s geography has undergone a significant transformation. This new geographical reality creates a fresh playing field for NATO, necessitating the adaptation of integrated deterrence to align with the alliance’ evolving circumstances.

To advance the vital discussion on integrated deterrence, Wilton Park, with support from the Swedish Defence Research Agency—FOI and the British Embassy in Stockholm, organised a conference in Sweden. The event focused on how to design effective integrated deterrence tailored to the Arctic region.

“It is incredibly valuable for us to host this together with our British partners,” said FOI’s Director-General Jens Mattson. “FOI has been conducting research on nuclear weapons since the 1940s, and we are now at a stage where our knowledge will make an even greater difference for Sweden, and where we hope to contribute in a broader NATO context.”

Karl Sörenson, a deputy research director at FOI and one of the conference’s organisers, explained:

“Integrated deterrence essentially involves a combination of various deterrence measures. It spans everything from the resilience of civil defence to nuclear weapons.”

The issue of nuclear weapons has resurfaced in recent years, driven in part by China’s military buildup and Russia’s repeated nuclear threats.

“In light of the West’s support for Ukraine, we have seen multiple instances when Russia has issued nuclear threats,” observed Kristina Melin, a Russian studies specialist at FOI. “It is a way of moving up the escalation ladder with the aim of deterring NATO, and although much of it is rhetoric, the threat should always be taken seriously.”

The conference brought together about 30 experts, researchers, and decision-makers from various NATO member states, providing an opportunity to exchange concrete knowledge and diverse perspectives.

“As the global security situation becomes increasingly grave, conferences like this take on an essential role,” noted Sörenson. “It is through sharing perspectives and building personal relationships that we will be able to manage difficult and sometimes incomprehensible situations, should they arise.”

This is the first time Wilton Park has organised a conference with FOI’s support.