GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Sweden is set to join NATO after Hungary's parliament ratified its bid.

Brief Background

• Hungary's decision comes two years after both Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Why Hungary’s approval was required? All members of NATO must give their approval before another country is able to join.

Why is Sweden joining a big deal? (A larger perspective)

• Break from neutrality: Sweden has not been involved in a war since 1814and has “pursued a policy of non-alignment in peacetime and neutrality in wartime, basing its security on a strong national defense. Sweden’s entry into NATO move signals a break from a history of neutrality for both countries. 
• Reducing the vulnerability: Sweden's NATO membership strengthens alliance in Baltic Sea region.
• Sense of security: At the time that Russia’s invasion threatened Europe’s security order and made Sweden’s need for guaranteed securitygranted through NATO membership apparent.
• Reinforcing the Baltic states: Three countries breathing a particular sigh of relief over the entry of Sweden - and Finland - are NATO's Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, long seen as an Achilles heel for the alliance.
• Kaliningrad threat: Beyond its long Baltic coastline, Sweden brings with it the island of Gotland which would play a central role in helping NATO impose its will. But just across the water, Russia has its vital outpost -- the exclave of Kaliningrad.
  • Wedged between Poland and Lithuania, Moscow has in recent years turned the region into one of the most militarised in Europe, with nuclear-capable missiles stationed there. 

Sweden's entry makes it easier for NATO to exert control and reinforce its vulnerable Baltic states, Russia can still menace the region from heavily-armed exclave Kaliningrad and threaten undersea infrastructure.