Responding to the Weaponization of Energy Dependencies: Hybrid Threats, National Security Interests, and Securitization

The geopolitical development following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines have significantly transformed the role of the Norwegian petroleum sector. A direct outcome of this situation is the designation of "transport of gas by pipelines to Europe" as a fundamental national function, which essentially means that gas transport to Europe is recognized as a matter of national security under the Norwegian Security Act. This represents a novel application of the Security Act, where the definition of national security interests has been expanded to include "the relationship with other states and international organizations". This allows for the consideration of infrastructure or services as essential to Norwegian national security, even if they are not located within Norway or directly coupled to Norwegian domestic safety and security. Our paper explores the expansion of the national security interest concept through the lenses of securitization and weaponization, both of which have played a role in framing the issue as a matter of national security. We analyze how the evolving security landscape, characterized by hybrid threats, currently and in the future, lays the ground for these developments. Utilizing the Norwegian petroleum sector as a case study, we draw on official Norwegian reports as empirical data. We conclude that the shifting security landscape, with its emphasis on hybrid threats and great power competition, will further drive the weaponization of various sectors, potentially leading to the securitization of new industries. This evolution will have implications for organizations and their risk management strategies.

Keywords: Geopolitics, Hybrid threats, National security interests, Securitization, Weaponization, Energy dependencies.