Yesterday, Sweden became a full-fledged member of NATO, member number 32. After almost two years of waiting, the Swedish flag will finally fly at NATO headquarters. The country’s prime minister is thrilled: “This is a historic event for our country. After more than 200 years of nonalignment, Sweden has joined the Western defense community. Together, we become stronger and safer.” It’s a big step, but at the same time, a natural step. The membership means that “we have come home,” it says.
Sweden Has Come Home
But to do that, they had to abandon about 200 years of neutrality. Sweden, along with Switzerland, was known for this neutrality. And like with Switzerland and Nazi gold, neutrality was lucrative for the Swedes as well. The last war they fought was in the early 1800s, some 200 years ago. Since then, no one has directly engaged with Sweden, not even during the two world wars. During World War II, Sweden served as a refuge – thousands of Jewish people from Europe took shelter in Sweden, as did children from Finland. Sweden could give them sanctuary because no one was attacking it. The neutrality also provided business opportunities – Sweden infamously provided iron to the Nazis, helping fuel the German war machine while staying clear of Allied guns.
Neutrality Is No Longer Profitable
But now, it seems neutrality is no longer profitable. Sweden fears that the risk from Russia is too great. Russia’s war on Ukraine is too close to home. So, in 2022, Stockholm decided to throw its lot with the West. And since then, it has patiently been waiting for NATO membership. That wait ended yesterday, and the Swedes seem delighted. “I think that’s…feel much safer now. Before, we… were outside and…felt a little bit alone. Now, it’s safer for us. It’s safer because…we are neighbors of Russia…But…we need it, definitely, we need it.”
NATO’s Nordic Wall Against Russia
Russophobia has sent Sweden into NATO’s eager arms. But remember, this is NATO. As former US President Donald Trump liked to say, they aren’t running a charity. Even when a nation is not paying their fair share, they do bring something to the table. In Sweden’s case, it’s the domination over the Baltic Sea. Sweden dominates it, and now Sweden is part of NATO. So, NATO controls the entire region by extension. Russia has minor outlets here, but the region has effectively been closed off for Moscow. This Nordic wall will deter any Russian ambitions in the Baltic Sea – at least that’s what the West hopes for.
Bringing Strong Capabilities To NATO
But painting the map blue was not NATO’s only reason for bringing Sweden in. Sweden brings strong Air Force, submarine competence, and intelligence surveillance. We’re talking about some world-class weaponry here – Gripen fighter jets, Gotland-class submarines, Carl Gustaf, and 84 anti-tank weapons. Sweden is bringing all of this to the table, adding even more lethality to NATO’s arsenal. And they promise to pay their fair share, too. Last year, Sweden promised to spend more than 2% of its GDP on defense, potentially exceeding NATO’s requirements. So, no matter how you look at it, this is a win for NATO.
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Is It A Win For Sweden?
But is it a win for Sweden? Apart from the business opportunities, there was another advantage to neutrality. No nation would ever launch a nuclear weapon at a neutral country, and Sweden knew this. That’s why it stuck to neutrality throughout the post-World War II period. But by joining NATO, Sweden risks being targeted in a nuclear first strike. It probably will not happen – we hope it doesn’t. But now, there’s a nonzero chance. Objectively, Sweden is less safe today than it was before. Hopefully, the people do not regret their choice.
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