Representing Iceland on the UN Security Council: Does Nordic membership matter?

Abstract

Are Iceland’s interests represented on the UN Security Council, even when Iceland is not a member? This paper explores two questions: whether the Nordics share cohesive foreign policy preferences, and whether these shared preferences translate into substantive representation on the UN Security Council. Using ideal points derived from UN General Assembly voting patterns, the study systematically compares the alignment of Nordic preferences with Iceland’s. The analysis finds that while Nordic countries consistently align in their foreign policy preferences, their ability to advance shared goals during Security Council membership is limited. These findings suggest that substantive representation is constrained, but that does not preclude the possibility that Iceland may still benefit from the symbolic and descriptive representation afforded by Nordic involvement. The study contributes to broader debates on small-state collaboration and the complexities of achieving tangible policy outcomes within multilateral institutions.