Norwegian policy towards the South: The diplomacy of the disaggregated state

Perhaps the major shift in Norwegian foreign policy during the 1990s has be en the enlargement and further incorporation of a humanitarian and aid port folio. The article tries to understand this as a shift in diplomatic practi ce which is not specific to Norway, but which may be traced in all postindu strial states. As globalisation opens up a plethora of international networ ks, the state responds by disaggregating. Diplomatic practice changes from mediating the relationship between Norway and other states towards using No rwegian non-state actors in attempted mediation of relationships between No rway and non-state entities such as world society at large, women, guerilla movements etc.