Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Norway’s deputy foreign minister and a member of the Norwegian Labour Party, dives into the intricacies of Norway’s unique diplomatic strategy. He discusses the country’s commitment to engaging with diverse nations, even those with opposing values. The conversation touches on Norway's support for Ukraine, complex conflicts like Israel-Palestine, and the balance between peace and justice in international law. Kravik emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue amidst geopolitical challenges and shares thought-provoking book recommendations.
Norway's unique diplomatic approach prioritizes dialogue with diverse actors, viewing it as essential for addressing global challenges and national security.
The consistent application of international norms distinguishes Norway's foreign policy, enhancing its credibility in advocating for humanitarian law across conflicts.
Deep dives
The Norwegian Approach to Diplomacy
Norwegian diplomacy is characterized by a willingness to engage in dialogue with a wide range of actors, even those with conflicting values and interests. This approach is rooted in the belief that dialogue is essential for addressing global challenges, such as climate change and security issues. Norway's foreign policy emphasizes respect for international law and the importance of reforming multilateral institutions like the UN to effectively tackle global problems. This stance is not merely altruistic; Norway views these diplomatic efforts as essential to its national security and as core components of its self-interest.
Consistency in Foreign Policy
Norway's approach includes maintaining consistency in its responses to international conflicts, which bolsters its credibility. For example, Norway has condemned actions by both Russia in Ukraine and Israel in Gaza, advocating for adherence to international humanitarian law across different conflicts. This consistent application of principles allows Norway to engage credibly with various countries and underscores the importance of international norms. This contrasts with the perceived double standards of some Western nations, which might limit their influence in promoting international law.
Importance of Engagement with Adversaries
The podcast emphasizes that engaging adversaries, even amid conflicts, is crucial for conflict resolution and diplomatic progress. Norway recognizes that dialogue with challenging actors, such as Hamas or Russia, is necessary to foster a framework for peace and stability. Historical engagements, such as Norway's past mediating role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showcase the significance of keeping channels of communication open. By doing so, countries can promote trust and work towards collaborative solutions to increasingly complex global crises.
As a committed NATO ally and EU partner, Norway is deeply embedded in Western security structures and stands firmly with Ukraine against Russian aggression. But its ‘Norwegian model’ of foreign policy—engaging in dialogue with actors and countries whose values and interests contradict its own—is unique. This week Mark Leonard welcomes Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Norway’s deputy foreign minister and member of the Norwegian Labour Party, to discuss the country’s distinct approach to diplomacy and international engagement. What defines this method? How does it serve Norway in a world of geopolitical fracture and crises? How does Norway benefit from talking to almost everyone—and what is the risk of not having these conservations?