The right doesn't care about national defense.

[HoreTore]

Those countries one step up the ladder likely subsidize their agriculture...

That would be the countries one further step up the ladder.

I admit, when it comes to Norway I am totally out of my element.

1. What military power are you threatened by? Russia couldn't attack the European Union without half the world coming to your rescue and the other staying neutral.

The only scenario, in the current world, in which we could get attacked, is in a world war 3 scenario. Basically it would have to be an attack on europe(EU), in which case we would be dragged along(due to tasty oil, and a coastline to attack england).

2. Why couldn't you get your food from the United States? Basically the only thing we export these days is food

Because we're talking WW3 here. The world would be at war, including the United States, and well, relying on shipping in such a situation isn't ideal...

3. If food is in such demand in your country, why do the farmers need subsidies from the government? They should be rich.

Because it's very hard to grow something here, and thus very expensive. To explain a little further; let's say you have one acre of land, and you wish to grow wheat there. With the soil in Norway, you can get x amount of wheat from it. With one acre in a more fertile country, like say Brazil, you would get 10x wheat.

Also, 1000 USD is a fortune in some countries, while it's pocket change here....