Article:
The Potential Expansion of NATO: Finland and Sweden Consider Joining
In recent times, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), an international military alliance, has been in the news due to the potential expansion of its membership. Specifically, the Nordic countries of Finland and Sweden are considering becoming members. This discussion prompts a deeper examination of the current geopolitical dynamics in Europe, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, NATO-Russia relations, and the strategic location of these countries.
Why Have Sweden and Finland Remained Outside NATO?
Until now, both Finland and Sweden have stayed out of NATO for different reasons. Finland chose to maintain cordial relations with its neighbour, Russia, rather than join alliances. The idea of not getting too close to the West has been a long-standing survival strategy for the Finns.
Sweden, on the other hand, has resisted joining NATO because of ideological differences. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a change in perception in both countries, with growing support for joining NATO.
Potential Benefits of Joining NATO
Becoming a member of NATO carries significant benefits for these nations. One key advantage is the security guarantee under NATO’s “Article 5” on collective defense. This article promises a military response and protection by NATO countries if a member state comes under attack.
Furthermore, if Finland were to join, it would double the length of borders Russia shares with NATO, strengthening the alliance’s position in the Baltic Sea. Moreover, more sovereign powers siding with the West could serve as a counterbalance against Russian aggression.
Reactions from Russia and Other Countries
Russia has warned that it may resort to military measures if Finland and Sweden join NATO. On the other hand, European nations and the United States have welcomed this possibility. Turkey, however, opposes their potential membership, citing their support for groups it considers terrorist.
NATO: An Overview
NATO is a collective security arrangement established in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to counter the Soviet Union. It currently has 30 member states, ranging from the original signatories including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, among others, to recent members such as Montenegro and North Macedonia.
The organization’s headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, with the Allied Command Operations based in Mons, Belgium.
Objectives of NATO
NATO strives to safeguard its members’ freedom and security through political and military means. Politically, it promotes democratic values and enables member consultation and cooperation on defense and security-related issues. Militarily, it possesses the capability to manage crises if diplomatic efforts fall short, acting under the collective defense clause of NATO’s founding treaty – Article 5, or under a United Nations mandate.
The Future Implication of Finland’s Membership
If Finland becomes a NATO member, Russia’s response could potentially involve deploying more troops to the Russian-Finland border, forcing a thin-out of an already stretched Russian army. The countries share a 1,300 km border and any moves Russia makes against Finnish (or Swedish) NATO membership might depend on possible military asset deployment along the border. While Finland may not opt for immediate asset deployment, utilizing NATO membership as a cautionary signal to Russia, the situation could change if they feel sufficiently threatened.
