Just months ago, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Ap) was confident that the Norwegian government need not alter its approach to security issues. However, a notable shift has occurred since then.
The Short Version
- The government, under Støre’s leadership, has reversed course and appointed Thomas Boe Hornburg as the first national security adviser to bolster Norway’s security efforts.
- Experts have expressed growing concern for enhanced coordination among ministries, highlighting an escalating security landscape.
- While past attempts at similar roles have faltered, there is optimism that this new appointment will bring about substantial results.
This summary was crafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by Aftenposten’s editorial team.
Earlier this year, Støre introduced Norway’s inaugural national security strategy, a momentous step in the nation’s policy-making.
Aftenposten subsequently questioned the Prime Minister regarding the absence of a national security adviser, a position held by many of Norway’s allies.
– We evaluated the idea and concluded that altering our security approach was not inherently beneficial, Støre responded.
He further emphasized Norway’s robust commitment to its traditional sectors, where each ministry executes security responsibilities pertinent to their area.
– We have reinforced the Prime Minister’s office to oversee and synchronize these efforts. Our government’s security committee convenes more frequently and thoroughly than ever before, allowing for effective engagement with national security advisers from abroad, he noted.
Now, however, Støre’s stance has evolved.
Adapting to Increasing Demands
Norway has historically adhered to a sectoral principle, allowing individual ministers and their ministries to handle security strategies autonomously.
Nevertheless, on Monday, the government announced the appointment of Thomas Boe Hornburg as the nation’s first-ever national security adviser, positioning him in the Prime Minister’s office.
TheState Secretary’s Office confirmed the news in a press release.
– The security situation is serious, and the government faces an increasing array of national security matters, asserted Støre.
– The Prime Minister’s office will now play a pivotal role in initiating and coordinating national security strategy developments, underscored by the appointment of our state secretary as national security adviser.
Hornburg’s responsibilities will include advising the Prime Minister on national security issues and reinforcing the national security strategy.
– The national security adviser will act as a linchpin, ensuring that efforts across ministries are well-coordinated. He will also oversee the follow-up of our national security strategy, Støre elaborated in the release.
A Cautious Hope for Change
Anders G. Romarheim, an advocate for a national security adviser role at the Department of Defense Studies (IFS) at the Norwegian Defense Academy, has long underscored the necessity for improved coordination.
– The need for such coordination has always existed, but it has become increasingly urgent in our current security climate, which is arguably the most severe since World War II. It is only logical to seek ways to enhance organizational efficiency in this context, he remarked.
Romarheim cautioned that without a cohesive professional environment at the Prime Minister’s office (SMK), there could be detrimental impacts when disagreements arise in security policymaking.
Although he is uncertain regarding the government’s rapid shift in perspective, he finds it fascinating that both Conservative and Labor-led administrations acknowledge this need.
– Solberg attempted to establish a similar role in 2013 with Laila Bokhari as a coordinator. However, that initiative faltered due to a lack of commitment and clarity. I hope Støre’s government avoids a similar fate, he added.
Anders G. Romarheim
Associate Professor at the Defense College/Institute for Defense Studies (IFS)
Addressing Institutional Resistance
– Is there resistance from the civil service regarding this initiative?
– Last time, the most notable friction arose with the Ministry of Justice and Emergency Preparedness (JBD). Yet, JBD has increasingly integrated national security into its civil preparedness responsibilities. These overlaps often create challenges.
– My impression is that the Ministry of Defense has also been hesitant. However, given its international outlook, it may recognize the necessity of a coordinator to interface with counterparts in other nations’ security sectors, he suggested.
Romarheim believes that establishing this role will foster smoother communication between Norway and the national security environments of other countries.
– If we can operationalize this function as it exists elsewhere, it would signify a significant step forward. To claim that our administrative capabilities fall short compared to others would be tantamount to a declaration of bankruptcy.
He stresses that political will is paramount. Synchronization between the civil service and political leaders is vital for the national security adviser role to succeed. Additionally, there is a pressing need for specialized expertise and staff in national security.
SMK conveyed in an email to Aftenposten that the decision to appoint a national security adviser stems from its newfound clarity as a driving force and coordinator for national security, acknowledging the growing volume of relevant discussions at the governmental level.
When Aftenposten sought further insights from SMK, State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner reiterated the position’s backing across the government, emphasizing that the ministers’ constitutional responsibilities remain unchanged. The establishment of a national security adviser does not affect the roles and duties of the ministries, he affirmed in an email.