Russia's strategy towards the Nordic region: Tracing continuity and change

Since Russia's intervention in Ukraine in 2014, debates about its behaviour and intentions have increased significantly in the West. This article examines Russia's strategic interests in its historically peaceful Nordic neighbourhood. It identifies and applies the classic strategy terms ends, ways and means in a 100-year perspective and asks if Russia's military and political goals in the Nordic region have changed after 2014. Despite increased tensions and a more aggressive Russian rhetoric and behaviour, Russian strategic goals in the region are characterised by an evolving continuity and a reluctant acceptance of the current military-political status quo.