INTRODUCTION
The recent move by Sweden to join NATO which ended the country’s longstanding tradition of military non-alignment. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a change in public opinion, Sweden became a member of the organization in March 2024. This blog assesses what Sweden brings to NATO strategically – such as having a well-equipped army and advanced defense industry. Additionally, it looks into obstacles faced during this period mostly around Turkey’s dissenting voices. It ends by reflecting on how this will affect local security considering potential conflicts with Moscow and stronger alliance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in general.
SWEDEN’S MEMBERSHIP TO NATO
Sweden joined the NATO membership on 7 March 2024.[i] Sweden had strived to maintain a neutral policy in military affairs since the Napoleonic Wars.[ii] Sweden then later adopted the policy of “non-alignment in peace and neutrality in war” in 1814.[iii]
Sweden made this significant decision of joining NATO because of the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and this led to the change in power dynamics in the Baltic region. This dispute highlighted the non-aligned states and their vulnerability in the face of Russia’s superior authority. The polls suggested that the Swedes were in support of the government’s decision to apply for the NATO membership by voting in favor with a two-third majority.[iv]
Sweden had faced their fair share of obstacles while applying for the membership. Turkey was one of the countries to obstruct Sweden accusing them of anti-Turkish activities, that included harboring members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).[v] After through negotiations between both the countries, they came to an agreement that was paving the way for Swedish membership.
Sweden’s succession to NATO has brought major edge to this bloc. Sweden packs a small but powerful military punch. They maintain competency in crucial areas like cyber defense and underwater warfare and they have the capacity to deploy advanced aircrafts of 1,000 to 1,200, thus making it one of the strongest Air Force on the face of the earth.[vi] Their radar and surveillance nets are backed by one of the most sophisticated technologies existing today. This makes a great addition to NATO’s military capacity. In addition, location of Sweden in the Baltic Sea adds robustness to NATO’S control over the region.
HOW WILL IT AFFECT RUSSIA?
Sweden’s membership has put Russia into a delicate position. A huge concern for Russia is that Kaliningrad being a crucial strategic outpost is potentially vulnerable to being blocked by the NATO forces.[vii] Sweden has gotten extensive railways system which will be crucial for deploying troops and equipment movement across the region in case of an attack.[viii] This could lead to increased tension between the NATO and Russia and arm themselves to the teeth because of suspicion.
CONCLUSION
Looking ahead, the country will have to up their defense spending to meet their alliance’s benchmark. Sweden will also participate in joint military exercises and contribute to NATO missions.
In conclusion, Sweden joining NATO is a big deal. It makes the alliance stronger in every way possible. Even though it won’t be easy, the truth is that integrating Sweden into NATO will change how safe Europe is forever.
Endnotes
[i] Billström, Tobias. “Why Sweden joined NATO – a paradigm shift in Sweden’s foreign and security policy.” Selwyn College, filmed April, 2024. Accessed on May 24, 2024. Video of lecture, 43:41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbQLytbja1M
[ii] ibid
[iii] ibid
[iv] Savage, Maddy. “Swedes cheer end of long wait to join Nato.” BBC, March 8, 2024. Accessed on May 25, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68509301.
[v] The Economist. “Why is Turkey blocking Sweden from joining NATO.” The Economist. July 10, 2023. Accessed on May 25, 2024. https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2023/07/10/why-is-turkey-blocking-sweden-from-joining-nato.
[vi] Geisenheyner, Stefan. “Sweden’s Air Force—Key to a Nation’s Total Defense Posture | Air & Space Forces Magazine.” Air and Space Forces magazine. November 1, 1964. Accessed on May 25, 2024. https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/1164sweden/.
[vii] Mishra, Rupal. “Implications of Sweden’s NATO Membership for Russia and the Baltic Region.” Australian Institute of International Affairs. April 4, 2024. Accessed on May 25, 2024. https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/australianoutlook/implications-of-swedens-nato-membership-for-russia-and-the-baltic-region/.
[viii] Ibid
By: Mitta Charan Sai Ganesh, Research Intern, CS3, USI