The Intelligence from The Economist Not stuck in neutral: Sweden, Finland and NATO
May 16, 2022
In this engaging discussion, Matt Steinglass, Europe correspondent for The Economist, delves into Sweden and Finland's historic shift toward NATO membership, driven by increased geopolitical tensions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He highlights how both nations, previously neutral, are reevaluating their security strategies. The talk also touches on the waning appeal of Facebook for younger users and the groundbreaking imaging of the black hole at the center of our galaxy, which marks a major advancement in astrophotography.
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Sweden's Shift in Security Policy
- Sweden's decision to join NATO marks a significant shift from its long-standing non-alignment policy.
- This move is primarily driven by security concerns in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Differing Reasons for Non-Alignment
- Finland's prior non-alignment was pragmatic, due to its history with the Soviet Union.
- Sweden's non-alignment stemmed from a deeper ideological commitment to neutrality.
Historical Roots of Swedish Neutrality
- Swedish neutrality was deeply rooted in its history of avoiding conflicts since the Napoleonic Wars.
- This history fostered a sense of security through non-alignment, making the shift to NATO membership even more significant.