Sweden’s evolving relationship with NATO and its consequences for the Baltic Sea region

Carl Hvenmark Nilsson, Center for Strategic and International Studies (USA)
What would happen if Sweden joined NATO? It goes without saying that Swedish membership would strengthen the alliance, both through the Swedish armed forces’ highly developed capabilities and Sweden’s strategic location. If Finland were to join along with Sweden, it would transform the buffer zone in the Arctic and Baltic Sea as well as create NATO’s longest border with Russia. Clearly, what Sweden decides greatly impacts the entire region.