Sweden Becomes 32nd NATO Member, Ends 200 Years of Military Non-Alignment

Defense News ,Sweden :-  In a historic move shadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, signaling the end of two centuries of non-alignment and concluding a complex diplomatic journey spanning two years. This transformative decision, celebrated as a victory for freedom, marked a significant departure from Sweden's traditional stance and was symbolically sealed as accession documents were ceremonially handed over to the United States, the leading force of the transatlantic alliance committed to collective security.

Addressing the momentous occasion at the State Department, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the natural progression of this step and its implications for Sweden. In a televised address to the nation from Washington, Kristersson highlighted the nation's commitment to democratic principles, sovereignty, and unity, underlining the importance of engaging with the broader world beyond its borders.

President Joe Biden, acknowledging the strengthened alliance, asserted that NATO was now more united, determined, and dynamic than ever with the inclusion of Sweden. This move comes at a time when the international community closely watches Russia's actions in Ukraine, and Sweden's decision reflects a broader shift in European security dynamics.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked on the unexpected nature of Sweden and Finland's decision to join NATO, especially considering the circumstances surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Blinken emphasized that Sweden's accession to NATO serves as a clear example of the strategic setback Russia has faced due to the invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Sweden into NATO, acknowledging the increased protection from Russian aggression for yet another European nation. Sweden, historically uninvolved in wars since the Napoleonic conflicts of the early 19th century, had maintained a neutral stance alongside Finland, both of whom, despite military ties with the U.S. and EU membership, had historically refrained from joining NATO during the Cold War.

The joint bid by Finland and Sweden to join NATO gained momentum in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. While Finland successfully joined in April 2023, Sweden faced delays, primarily due to the reservations of Turkey. Blinken, receiving the accession documents from Sweden, remarked on the perseverance required for this moment and the doubts that were overcome.

Russia, reacting to Sweden's NATO membership, pledged "countermeasures," especially if NATO troops and assets were to deploy within the country. The official hoisting of Sweden's blue and yellow flag at the Brussels headquarters of NATO is anticipated on Monday, symbolizing the nation's formal integration into the alliance.

NATO allies, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Germany's foreign ministry, expressed support for Sweden's inclusion, reinforcing the alliance's significance as a defensive force. However, the journey to NATO membership for Sweden was not without hurdles. Turkey, leveraging its influence, pressed Sweden to address issues related to Kurdish militants, and later demanded action following protests protected by Sweden's laws on free speech.

In a strategic move, the U.S. offered F-16 warplanes to Turkey, a NATO member that had faced U.S. sanctions over a significant military purchase from Russia. Simultaneously, the Biden administration approved the sale of $23 billion in F-16 warplanes to Turkey following Sweden's NATO ratification, while advancing an $8.6 billion deal for more advanced F-35 jets to Greece, a NATO member and historic adversary of Turkey.

Even after obtaining Turkey's approval, Sweden faced another obstacle in the form of Hungary, which needed to ratify its membership. Hungary, led by nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, eventually ratified Sweden's membership on February 26. However, a brief hiccup occurred as Hungary could not immediately sign the accession document due to the resignation of an Orban ally in the ceremonial post of president.

In conclusion, Sweden's entry into NATO represents a significant geopolitical shift and reflects the evolving security dynamics in Europe in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. The journey to NATO membership, marked by diplomatic challenges and strategic considerations, underscores the complex nature of international alliances in the face of evolving geopolitical realities.