Baltic-Scandinavian Macroregion: Regionalism of a New Type

The author puts forward a hypothesis about formation of the Baltic-Scandinavian Macroregion (BSM). This phenomenon is characterised as a macroregion of a new type (a “new” macroregion), which is inherent in the polycentric system of international relations. The research of its framework, structure and historical background is undertaken. The assumption is that BSM is an evolutionary follow-up of “new interregionalism” (post-neointerregionalism). A notion of “geopolitical density” is explored. In the focus of the article is the securitisation of BSM, which was predated by the transit from rivalry to cooperation after the end of the Cold War. The quick pace of BSM’s militarisation is demonstrated in the conditions when key contact zones between Russia and NATO have shifted to Northern Europe. In the author’s opinion, the rearcarnation (revival) of long-term mechanisms of the Cold War confrontation in BSM will not bear fruit as they do not reflect objective interests of the countries located there.