Sweden Officially Joins NATO After Two Centuries of Neutrality
After two centuries of neutrality and two years of diplomacy, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Thursday, marking a historic moment for both Sweden and the alliance. The announcement came during Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s visit to Washington, where the process was finalized.
The Swedish government expressed its commitment to unity, solidarity, and burden-sharing, emphasizing that it would fully adhere to the values outlined in the Washington Treaty: freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. The official Twitter account of the Swedish prime minister stated, “Stronger together.”
US President Joe Biden welcomed Sweden as the newest member of NATO, highlighting the strengthened transatlantic security resulting from this alliance. He expressed his honor in welcoming Sweden and emphasized the importance of collective security in today’s world.
The accession ceremony took place at the State Department, where Sweden’s “instrument of accession” was officially deposited. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described this moment as historic for Sweden, the alliance, and the transatlantic relationship. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also acknowledged the significance of Sweden’s accession, stating that it makes NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and the entire alliance more secure.
Prime Minister Kristersson expressed his pride in Sweden’s membership and emphasized the country’s commitment to defending freedom alongside its geographically close neighbors who share similar cultural and values. The Swedish flag is expected to be hoisted at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday, symbolizing Sweden’s official integration into the alliance.
The decision for Sweden to join NATO comes in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin had claimed that NATO had promised not to expand after the Cold War, but no such agreement was made. Blinken highlighted the strategic debacle that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has become for Russia, stating that few would have expected Sweden and Finland to join the alliance before this event. Finland joined NATO last year, and Sweden’s application was delayed due to a diplomatic dispute with Turkey and obstacles posed by Hungary.
Sweden’s decision to join NATO marks the end of two centuries of non-alignment. While Sweden has been militarily intertwined with the US and a member of the European Union, it has remained neutral in both world wars. However, the invasion of Ukraine prompted Sweden to apply for NATO membership, seeking increased security and protection from Russian aggression.
Currently, NATO’s Nordic Response Exercise is underway in northern Sweden, Norway, and Finland, involving 20,000 NATO troops from 13 countries. This exercise has raised tensions with Russia, with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev calling it destabilizing and likening it to a rehearsal for an armed confrontation.
As a NATO member, Sweden will play a crucial role in the alliance, given its cutting-edge submarines and Gripen fighter jets. The country’s strategic location between the Atlantic and the Baltic states makes it an important link in ensuring regional security.
A recent poll conducted by Swedish broadcaster SR revealed that while most Swedes believe the country made sacrifices to join NATO, over three-quarters of respondents believed that NATO membership would enhance Sweden’s security.
Russia has expressed its opposition to Sweden joining NATO and has announced plans to adopt unspecified military techniques and countermeasures in response.
In conclusion, Sweden’s accession to NATO marks a significant shift in its foreign policy and security strategy. It represents a commitment to collective defense and solidarity with its allies. As Sweden joins the alliance, it is expected to contribute its military capabilities and expertise to strengthen NATO’s overall security posture.