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STOCKHOLM -- Sweden's last war ended in 1814, and when the rifles and cannons it aimed at Norway fell silent, the once-warring power would not take up arms again.
For the next two centuries, Sweden embraced a policy of neutrality, refusing to take sides in wars or join any military alliance. It was a stance that kept peace at home and contributed to the country becoming a prosperous welfare state and humanitarian superpower.
This remarkably long era of nonalignment is coming to a close as Sweden joins NATO. The ceremonial formalities are expected soon, after 18 months of delays while Turkey and Hungary held up ratification and sought concessions from other members of the alliance.
“Sweden is now leaving 200 years of neutrality and nonalignment behind us," Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said after Hungary's Parliament gave its approval Monday, overcoming the final hurdle. "It is a big step. We must take that seriously. But it is also a very natural step that we are taking.”
Sweden, like neighbor Finland, had long ruled out seeking NATO membership. That changed practically overnight when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The attack sparked fears across Europe of Moscow’s revived imperial ambitions — alarm that has grown as Russia gains momentum on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Due to Sweden's geography and strong military, I would say Sweden does not need NATO in a defensive war with Russia. In any case, Sweden brings a lot to the alliance.
Why? There’s still Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, Serbia, Kazakhstan, etc.
Do people not realize there are a lot of poor non-NATO eastern european and central asian countries out there?
Do progressives ever look at a map?
Yup.
Ukraine invaded. Twice.
Belarus Russian puppet
Georgia invaded
Serbia - currently in a cold proxy war between the West and Russia.
Armenia - former Eurasian participant, currently imperiled due to backing out in opposition to repeated invasion of neighbors by Russia.
Kazakhstan - Former Eurasian participant, currently under active economic sanctions by Russia for not supporting the Motherland in repeated invasions of neighboring countries.
Me guesses that Sweden is rather nervous since they're down to 4.5 miles between them and the friendly bear.
They make good kit. Archer may be the world's best artillery system, CV90 is a very fine IFV, their aircraft are very capable. Good ships, and conventional subs good enough that the mighty US navy - having lost their carrier more than once in wargames - politely asked if they could borrow one.
Being a Dane, I have to sneer at Swedes as a matter of principle, but the truth is they punch way above their weight. Can't drink worth a damn, though.
Putin needs to lookup "unintended consequences" in the dictionary, because he is 100% to blame for Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
Yeah, I'm sure Russia is losing sleep with Sweden and Finland in NATO. Both are as worthless in war just like in WW 2. It has rained a lot from the Vikings glory days. They won't be selling a lot of Volvos in Russia.
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