Here is a new, challenging appraisal of Norway, the author’s country of birth, that redefines its history, culture and heritage – ‘after Ibsen’ – and looks, with a degree of ominous foreboding, at its future and the future of Europe. Ex-diplomat and widely published author Jørgensen explores an array of topics, from Norway’s Viking past, its pursuit of independence, the German occupation, its politics and cultural heritage , the defence of NATO, the relationship with Europe, and the challenge of Russia, concluding with ‘self-image and reality’. In Northern Light, the author challenges many existing perceptions and stereotypes, making this an essential reference for anyone interested in Norway and its people, international affairs, European history and its cultural legacy.

Ambassador Nils-Johan Jørgensen was educated at the universities of Oslo and Oxford (Norway Scholar at Wadham) and was Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI). As a Norwegian career diplomat he served in Brussels, Copenhagen, Harare, Tokyo, Bonn and Dar es Salaam. He retired in 2001. He is the author of books and articles on European integration, international development, Southern Africa and Germany and Japan.

Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Look to Norway Chapter 2: Suddenly, the Country was Lost Chapter 3: But Slowly, the Country was Ours Again Chapter 4: Independence and Neutrality Chapter 5: The German Occupation Chapter 6: Political Parties Chapter 7: Before and After Ibsen Chapter 8: The Other Arts Chapter 9: The Nobel Peace Prize Chapter 10: Defence in Nato Chapter 11: The Eternal Half European Chapter 12: The Sea Chapter 13: Bordering the Bear Chapter 14: Self Image and Reality Bibliography Index