Post Reports Why Putin is the best thing to happen to NATO
May 17, 2022
Shane Harris, a national security reporter for The Washington Post, brings keen insights into Finland and Sweden's bold move to seek NATO membership, marking a departure from their long-standing military neutrality. He discusses the geopolitical shifts prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its implications for European security. The conversation also dives into the precarious nature of nuclear escalation under Putin's strategy, the evolving Ukrainian resilience, and how public perceptions within Russia are transforming amidst the conflict.
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NATO Expansion
- Sweden and Finland are abandoning neutrality to join NATO due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- They now believe that collective security through NATO is more vital than maintaining non-alignment.
Putin's Response
- Putin's muted response to Finland and Sweden joining NATO suggests his prior claims about NATO expansion as a threat may have been pretextual.
- His current focus appears to be on the struggling war in Ukraine rather than new confrontations.
NATO Readiness
- Unlike Ukraine, Sweden and Finland possess advanced, NATO-integrated militaries, making their accession smoother.
- Their strategic location and shared border with Russia further incentivize NATO membership.