THEORETICAL DIMENSIONS OF NORTH EUROPEAN STATES’ ENERGY DIPLOMACY

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to consider the applicability of theoretical models in international relations to contemporary energy policy of the Nordic states. In the article we conduct the analysis of crucial aspects of theoretical basis of Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish diplomacy as well as we highlight the international activity of these states and their main economic actors in the sphere of energetics as an empirical example of the transnational theoretical model. The study proved the importance of three different dimensions of this basis: the “ideological” one consisting in historical mental traits; the “scientific” one which combines some conceptions of Scandinavian scientists based on the phenomenon of national identity; the “theoretical” one described the model of transnational governance. In the empirical part we find out the projects of Arctic development and perspectives of Scandinavian Common market in terms of proving of our system of analysis that this transnational model currently works in energy diplomacy of the mentioned states. As a result, the study comes to conclusion that such model is effective for the Scandinavian states.

Keywords

• national identity
• transnationalism
• energy diplomacy
• Arctic development