Economist Podcasts Not stuck in neutral: Sweden, Finland and NATO
May 16, 2022
Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on Sweden and Finland's pivot towards NATO membership, spurred by security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tom Wainwright, the media editor, reflects on Facebook's declining appeal, particularly among younger users, as demographic shifts reshape its user base and strategy. Additionally, the podcast discusses the monumental imaging of Sagittarius A*, the black hole at our galaxy's core, showcasing its distinct features and the challenges of capturing such cosmic marvels.
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Historical Non-Alignment
- Sweden and Finland historically avoided NATO, Sweden due to a long-standing commitment to neutrality and Finland due to pragmatic concerns related to Soviet influence.
- Sweden's concern for Finland's security played a significant role in its non-alignment policy.
Ideological Neutrality
- Finland's decision to avoid NATO was primarily pragmatic, while Sweden's was rooted in a deeper ideological commitment to neutrality, tracing back to the Napoleonic Wars.
- This neutrality became a core part of Swedish identity, especially for the Social Democrats, influencing their foreign policy.
Political Landscape
- While there is now broad support for NATO membership across the Swedish political spectrum, the Left Party and the Green Party remain opposed.
- This opposition presents a political challenge for the Social Democrats, who risk losing left-leaning voters.