- Sweden’s bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has made a crucial step forward, with Turkey’s parliament approving its membership.
- This significant development highlights the shifting dynamics of global politics and Sweden’s reaction to regional security challenges.
About
| Formation | Established on April 4, 1949 |
| Members | Consists of 30 member countries |
| Headquarters | Located in Brussels, Belgium |
| Mission | Safeguard freedom and security through political and military cooperation |
| Key feature: Article 5 | Mutual defense provision, attack on one is an attack on all |
| Operations | Involved in peacekeeping and crisis management operations worldwide |
| NATO-Russia Relations | Complex relationship with Russia, involving cooperation and tensions |
| Evolving Security Challenges | Adapts to address evolving security challenges like terrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare |
Sweden’s Neutrality and Shift of Stance
- Sweden has remained neutral for more than two centuries, staying out of conflicts such as World Wars and the Cold War.
- EU and NATO Collaboration: Despite its membership in the European Union and cooperation with NATO, Sweden has previously indicated that it did not intend to join the military alliance.
- Changing Landscape: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden’s neutrality was called into question, prompting widespread support for NATO membership.
Turkey’s Opposition and Resolution
- Turkey and Hungary had resisted Sweden’s NATO admission for nearly two years.
- Turkish Concerns: Turkey expressed concerns over Sweden’s perceived leniency towards terrorist groups, especially the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
- Free Speech Controversy: Protests in Sweden that burned Qurans, which were permitted by free speech regulations, strained relations with Turkey even further.
- Recent Reforms: Sweden has taken many steps to meet Turkey’s concerns, including tightening anti-terrorism laws, cracking down on PKK operations, and lifting limitations on military sales to Turkey.
- Positive Developments: Sweden has also committed support for Turkey’s EU membership ambition.
Hungary’s Influence and Response
- Following Turkey’s Lead: Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was regarded as siding with Turkey in rejecting Sweden’s NATO ambition.
- Grievances with Sweden: Hungary was dissatisfied with Sweden’s criticisms of the rule of law and the democratic state under Orban.
- Russia-Friendly attitude: In comparison to other NATO members, Orban took a more pro-Russian attitude.
- Invitation to Cooperation: Following Turkey’s approval, Orban invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest to discuss future security and defence cooperation as allies.
Sweden’s NATO membership
- It will expand the alliance’s presence to practically the entire Baltic Sea coastline, except for the area under Russian control.
- Strategic sites: This expansion places NATO’s strategic sites near Russia, streamlines supply routes, and makes it easier to defend assets in the Baltic Sea.
- Modern Military: Despite its small military size, Sweden has modern and experienced armed forces, including advanced aircraft and submarine capabilities.
- Global Missions: Sweden’s military has taken part in prior NATO missions, contributing to the alliance’s operational capabilities.
@the end
- Sweden’s NATO membership ratification marks a dramatic departure in its long-standing neutrality, motivated by shifting geopolitical forces and regional security concerns.
- Sweden’s entry into the alliance provides strategic advantages to NATO’s posture in the Baltic Sea region and strengthens the alliance’s collective defence capabilities.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/23/turkeys-parliament-set-to-vote-on-swedens-nato-bid-this-week-reports