The first in a series about four countries for each of which living next door to the Soviet Union is the dominant fact of life. But each has to find its own way of dealing with its giant neighbour. 1: Norway
Inside the Arctic Circle, Norway's frontier with the Soviet Union is close to one of the largest and most sensitive military complexes in the world. Three-quarters of the Russians' nuclear missile submarines are based nearby, hungry for ice-free access to the Atlantic. So Norway is the front line of NATO's northern flank. And as the Russian subs slip past the North Cape, she plays a vital role as a listening post for the Western Allies.
But Norway is not just a part of one power block confronting another. She must deal every day with her Soviet neighbour - over fishing, energy and military matters. And in the vast archipelago centred on Spitsbergen - 600 miles from the mainland but still Norway's territory - the Russians outnumber the Norwegians two to one and the diplomatic ice is thin indeed.
Jeremy Paxman reports on how Norway keeps its cool in the Arctic.
Research KATYA KRAUSOVA Producer
Executive producer JOHN REYNOLDS