The Nordic-Baltic Eight: Policy Brief Series
Institute of International AffairsIn this new policy brief series, the eight leading institutes of the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries commit to closer collaboration on analysis and research. The aim is to deepen understanding of the evolving security, political, and societal dynamics shaping the Nordic–Baltic region amid renewed great-power competition.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight series of jointly published topical briefs is a collaboration between the eight leading institutes in the Nordic–Baltic region. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of the region’s shifting security, political, and societal landscape in an era of renewed great-power rivalry. The series seeks to generate shared insights, foster informed policy dialogue, and contribute to the region’s strategic resilience.
The views expressed in the policy briefs are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the participating institutes. New briefs will be published on this webpage on a continuous basis as they are released.
Policy briefs
NB8 and the Drone Challenge: Creating Platform Market as a Tool for Integration-Driven Preparedness
No. 5 - September 2026
Authors:
Justinas Lingevicius
Markus Holmgren
Drone incursions in the Baltic States and Finland have made clear that this is no longer a distant battlefield concern. This brief argues that as the NB8 framework matures into an increasingly like-minded security community, drone cooperation could stimulate market …
Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure: Enhancing NB8 Maritime Security Cooperation
No.4 - June 2026
Authors:
Nele Loorents
Eoin Micheál McNamara
Critical undersea infrastructure encompassing various energy and data connections underpins economic cooperation among the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8). But a turbulent geopolitical environment has exposed its vulnerabilities. To reduce risks, the NB8 need to enhance security cooperation, innovation, and defence-industrial coordination.
Geo-economic Resilience: Collective Measures Against the Weaponisation of External Dependencies in the NB8 Region
No.3 - May 2026
Authors:
Thorsteinn Kristinsson
Ludvig Broomé
Geo-economic competition and the coercive use of economic statecraft are supplanting the rules-based system of liberal economic exchange. Small economies like the NB8 states are vulnerable to this development, including the potential weaponisation of external dependencies against them. This policy brief …
The circles of security: The role of the NB8 in (Northern) European security
No. 2 - April 2026
Authors:
Hiski Haukkala
Kristi Raik
Russia’s war against Ukraine has profoundly worsened Europe’s security environment, but it has also spurred deeper regional cooperation. The challenge now is to ensure that this growing number of initiatives remains purposeful, adds concrete value, and strengthens both the EU …
How to implement a full maritime services ban on Russian oil
No. 1 - March 2026
Authors:
Henrik Wachtmeister
Daniel Spiro
Henrik Praks
The EU is considering a full maritime services ban on Russian oil. While the final proposal and decision are still pending, the measure would replace the current oil price-cap regime by prohibiting European and allied companies from providing …
