Determinants of Icelandic Foreign Relations

It is the thesis of this paper that the major determinants of Icelandic foreign relations can be classified under three headings: population, economic geography, and geographic location. The thesis is spelled out in some detail, and the fundamental goals of Iceland's foreign policy are presented as an interplay of these determinants. Finally, the country's foreign policy in three major areas — national security, European integration and the fishery zone question — is analysed in these terms.