Sweden Accepted by NATO After Over 200 Years of Military Neutrality
Sweden, a country that has maintained military neutrality for over 200 years, has finally been accepted into NATO after a long wait. This historic decision comes after two years of negotiations and marks a significant shift in Sweden’s foreign policy.
The acceptance of Sweden into NATO was made possible by Hungary’s parliament, which voted to ratify Sweden’s bid to join the alliance. This decision brings an end to months of delays that have frustrated NATO as it seeks to expand its membership.
Sweden’s journey to join NATO began in May 2022 when it applied alongside Finland. However, both Turkey and Hungary initially objected to Sweden’s membership. Turkey cited Sweden’s support for Kurdish separatist groups and restrictions on arms exports as reasons for its reservations. On the other hand, Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, who has close ties with Russia, was reluctant to support Sweden’s bid due to criticism from Swedish politicians of Hungary’s democracy.
Despite these obstacles, Sweden eventually gained Turkey’s support, and Hungary’s final approval came on Monday. It is worth noting that all members of NATO must give their approval before a new country can join.
The significance of Sweden joining NATO cannot be understated. Sweden has remained outside of military alliances for more than two centuries. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the country’s perspective. Although Sweden does not share a border with Russia, it is in close proximity. Russia has opposed NATO’s expansion and has threatened to respond if the alliance establishes military infrastructure in Sweden or Finland, which does border Russia.
With Sweden’s entry into NATO, the alliance now consists of 32 countries. The existing members include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, and the Republic of North Macedonia. Finland was accepted into NATO last year and is set to be joined by Sweden in the near future.
NATO, which stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance. It was formed to deter the expansion of the Soviet Union, prevent the resurgence of nationalist militarism in Europe, and promote political integration on the continent. The organization’s decisions are made collectively by all member countries through consensus.
The acceptance of Sweden into NATO is a significant step for both Sweden and the alliance. It demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to collective defense and security cooperation with its European neighbors. It also strengthens NATO’s position in the region and sends a clear message to Russia that any aggression will be met with a united front.
In conclusion, Sweden’s acceptance into NATO after over 200 years of military neutrality marks a historic moment in the country’s history. It highlights the changing geopolitical landscape and the need for increased security cooperation in the face of growing threats. As Sweden joins the ranks of NATO, it solidifies its commitment to collective defense and reinforces the alliance’s position in Europe.
