The Nordic Countries and Humanitarianism

Humanitarianism has been a defining feature of Nordic international engagement since the beginning of the twentieth century. Its evolution from individual initiatives to a state-led, institutionalised and globally recognised tradition reflects both continuity and strategic adaptation. After the end of the Cold War, Nordic humanitarianism adjusted to new geopolitical conditions, while “humanitarian interventions” in places like Somalia and Kosovo challenged traditional Nordic principles of peace and neutrality. Nordic humanitarianism in the twenty-first century is confronted with challenges such as protracted conflicts, politicisation of aid and increasingly extreme weather events.