Sweden finally joined NATO in a historic shift charged by Putin's invasion of Ukraine. This move drastically changes the status quo in European security with a new 32nd member of NATO joining just after Finland this past year. Russia is now surrounded by NATO countries with especially strong opposition in the far north where Russia keeps much of its second strike nuclear capability. In addition, the inclusion of these two countries creates a stronger presence in the Baltic Sea particularly near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Swedish navy has experience in the Baltic waters and they’ve already sent troops to aid in Latvia. The country will pursue a defense spending target of 2% of their annual GDP from now on. Their NATO membership was originally declined by Turkey and Hungary but their acceptance now proves that Europe is moving together against Putin. Military nonalignment has always been big for Sweden but Russia's actions have forced all of Europe to begin to think more about security. Finland also had to battle politically with the two countries but after years of debate, they’ve settled their differences. Putin originally tried to use NATO expansion as his excuse to why he was at war with Ukraine, but now he has more opposition than ever from the group. NATO Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “everything that Putin sought to prevent, he has actually precipitated by his actions, by his aggression.” Blinken pointed out that Sweden hadn’t given much thought to joining NATO until Russia invaded Ukraine. The EU is slowly moving off of Russian oil and gas, they’ve sent weapons to Ukraine, and increased defense spending. The new NATO plans are to heavily defend each inch of NATO territory.
5 comments:
It will be interesting to see what Russia's response to Sweden and Finland joining Nato will be when the Ukraine conflict is done with. Maybe the expansion will quell Russia, or allow for Putin to claim further justification? Whatever the outcome I feel Russia will find time to complain about the expansion at some point.
Going off what Dom said, it'll also be interesting to see what further actions NATO takes after the Ukraine conflict is over. Most likely they'll continue to expand which in turn could cause another 'Ukraine-like' conflict as Putin tries to avoid being surrounded by NATO countries.
Russia may do similar things it did to Ukraine to Finland and Sweden which may cause more monetary aid to be sent by the United States to help aid them in their fight and possible recovery. It seems inevitable there will be continued tensions between the US and Russia.
Does the addition of Sweden in NATO change our outlook of them of a country? No longer may be received as a neutrality state or as some considered a safe haven.
Sweden and Finland joining NATO in the middle of Putin's Ukraine conflict represents a significant shift in geopolitics. The situation could be even more altered by how Russia responds post-Ukraine. I wonder if Russia will reevaluate its strategies or if tensions will escalate.
Post a Comment