In Iceland's defence

In this episode of 'Assignment' from the BBC World Service, reporter Sandra Canthal explores Iceland's unique defence model in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Despite having no standing military, Iceland relies on its highly trusted civilian Coast Guard, strong international alliances—particularly with NATO and the United States—and a deeply ingrained national culture of resilience and pragmatism. The episode unfolds through a firsthand account of joining a Coast Guard rescue mission, revealing the extreme conditions and high skill level required to operate in Iceland’s harsh environment. While the majority of Icelanders remain firmly opposed to creating a national army—citing cost, lack of need, and faith in existing alliances—rising global tensions, especially from U.S. political rhetoric about Greenland, are prompting renewed debate. A small but determined movement led by Arnur Sigrunsson advocates for an Icelandic defence force, arguing that reliance on foreign allies is unsustainable. The episode concludes with a reflection on Iceland’s strategic value in the Arctic and North Atlantic, where its expertise in extreme conditions and integrated civil-military coordination make it a vital, if unofficial, force multiplier for NATO.