Norsk tilnærming til opprørsbekjempning: illusjon eller realitet?

Abstract

Even though NATO has signalized the need for a unified approach to counterinsurgency, it seems that nations have different national approaches. This thesis examines the hallmarks of the Norwegian approach to counterinsurgency, as they appeared in the Norwegian-led Faryab province in Afghanistan, between 2006 and 2012. The Norwegian political will and military ability to conduct counterinsurgency operations are analysed through the lens of five counterinsurgency principles. On the basis of this analysis, the thesis draws conclusions at the intersection between the political level and the level of military power. The thesis identifies a weak connection between the Norwegian strategic and tactical level, resulting in a strong difference of opinion between the political-strategic and the military tactical level upon the use of the nation’s instruments of power in a counterinsurgency conflict.