Learning to assert themselves: Small states in asymmetrical dyads - two Scandinavian dogs barking at the Russian bear

By measuring foreign policy assertion, we document that Danish and Swedish Russia policies have fluctuated widely in the 21. century, also in relation to each other. Specifically, big assertion leaps took place in 2002 (Denmark) and 2008 (Sweden). Having conceptualized and operationalized small state assertion, we proceed to the explanation of these leaps. The same factor turns out to be the efficient explanation in both cases: an individual policy-maker’s so-called ‘lesson of the past’ – what he believes ‘history teaches us’. It is shown how existing theory of lessons of the past can contribute to the understanding of small state assertion in asymmetrical dyads, but only if the proper permissive circumstances are identified.