Viðbrögðunum

Viðbrögðunum is an Icelandic framework for addressing and handling conflicts within the country's system of government. It emerged as a response to the 2005 Althing parliamentary crisis, which resulted from an ongoing debate between coalition partners over Prime Minister Halldór Ásgrímsson's proposal to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The term "viðbrögðunum" is derived from the Icelandic words for "counter-reaction" or "counter-measure," indicating the government's decision to adopt a counter-approach to the proposed NATO membership. This decision led to a symbolic break with the traditional relationship between Iceland and NATO, as well as an indication of the country's desire to maintain a more independent foreign policy stance.

Viðbrögðunum's primary objectives were to redefine Iceland's international relation and provide a framework for assessing NATO membership. This involved examining Iceland's potential involvement with NATO, considering the significant military presence and treaties associated with membership.

In March 2009, a renewal of plans for NATO membership raised renewed debate about whether Iceland should continue to pursue close relations with the Alliance, under Viðbrögðunum. Alternatively, the 2012 Reykjavik Conference suggested the importance of considering Iceland's purposes, scope, and maturity vis-à-vis NATO's purposed real usefulness as a protector.