Jonah Patel
Sweden and Norway have historically shared a close relationship, with the two countries even forming a union under a common monarch and foreign policy from 1814 to 1905. Sweden has traditionally pursued a policy of neutrality, choosing to stay out of alliances in peacetime to maintain neutrality in the event of war. However, in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's foreign policy has shifted, and the country has increased its defence spending and joined NATO. This shift has been reflected in Sweden's relationship with Norway, with Norway pledging to assist Sweden and Finland in the event of aggression before obtaining NATO membership. Sweden and Norway have also collaborated through the Joint Nordic Air Command, which combines their front-line combat aircraft capabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sweden-Norway Union | Lasted from 1814 until its peaceful dissolution in 1905 |
| Sweden and Norway shared a common monarch and common foreign policy | |
| Sweden's Foreign Policy | Based on the premise that national security is best served by staying free of alliances in peacetime |
| Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality | |
| Sweden joined NATO in 2024 | |
| Impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine | Finland and Sweden increased their defence spending |
| Norway, Denmark and Iceland gave their full support to the decisions of Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership |
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What You'll Learn
Sweden's former neutrality
Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to steer clear of involvement in conflicts between major powers. This policy of neutrality was in place from 1814, in the context of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, until 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Sweden's neutrality allowed the country to navigate the complex European political landscape and maintain its sovereignty. During World War I, Sweden attempted to remain neutral and trade with belligerent countries. However, the Allies blocked a large percentage of Sweden's trade, causing a severe food shortage in the country. Sweden continued its neutrality policy during World War II, despite substantial cooperation with the West. The country rejected Hitler's proposal for a non-aggression pact in 1939 and declared itself neutral at the outbreak of war. Sweden provided aid to Finland when the Soviet Union attacked and refused the Allies' request to march through its territory. However, Sweden was forced to allow the transit of German troops through its territory to Norway.
Sweden's neutrality policy was maintained during the Cold War, even as it supported democracy, human rights, and liberal market systems. The country's leaders understood that neutrality would likely fail in a potential third world war, but the aim was to avoid the initial nuclear exchange between superpowers. After the Cold War, Sweden supported the development of a cooperative European security order based on conflict prevention and respect for national sovereignty and borders.
In recent years, Sweden's neutrality has been challenged by Russia's increasingly assertive foreign policy and military interventions in Georgia and Ukraine. Sweden reintroduced military conscription in 2018 and discovered covert Russian submarine operations within its territorial waters. In 2022, Sweden applied to join NATO, marking a significant shift away from its longstanding neutral position. Sweden's public support for NATO membership has grown, and the country became the 32nd member of NATO on March 7, 2024.
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Norway-Sweden alliance
Sweden and Norway, officially the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, were in a union from 1814 until 1905. This union was a personal union of the separate kingdoms under a common monarch and common foreign policy. The union came about as a result of the Treaty of Kiel, in which the King of Denmark-Norway was forced to cede Norway to the King of Sweden. However, Norway refused to submit to the treaty and declared independence.
Sweden historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to stay out of alliances in peacetime to maintain neutrality in the event of war. This policy lasted from 1814 until the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sweden's security doctrine stated that "Sweden pursues a policy of non-participation in military alliances," but allowed for cooperation in response to threats to peace and security.
In recent years, Sweden and Norway have both moved towards NATO. In 2024, Sweden formally joined NATO, marking the first time since the end of the War of the Sixth Coalition that Sweden had been part of a military alliance. Norway, along with Denmark and Iceland, has expressed support for Sweden and Finland's decision to apply for NATO membership, and stands ready to assist its Nordic neighbours in the event of aggression. Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, emphasised the shared values and principles of the Nordic countries with NATO and pledged to ensure a swift accession process for Sweden and Finland.
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Sweden's NATO membership
Sweden's foreign policy has historically been based on the premise of staying free of alliances in peacetime to remain neutral in the event of war. This policy of neutrality was adopted in 1814 in the context of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and lasted until the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden's neutrality allowed the country to navigate the tumultuous European political landscape and maintain its sovereignty, even during World War I and World War II. When NATO was founded in 1949, Sweden chose not to join, instead declaring a security policy aiming for non-alignment in peace and neutrality in war.
However, Sweden's relationship with NATO has evolved over time. The country joined NATO's Partnership for Peace in 1994 and became an active participant in NATO-led missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Libya. In 2017, Sweden also joined the Joint Expedition Force (JEF), which brings together partners with a shared focus on security in Northern Europe.
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point in Swedish security policy. Sweden, along with Finland, applied for NATO membership on May 18, 2022, and officially became a member on March 7, 2024. This decision was influenced by Russia's aggressive actions, including a simulated nuclear attack on Sweden in 2013 and threats made by the Russian foreign minister in 2016 to prevent Swedish NATO membership. Sweden's membership in NATO represents a paradigm shift in its foreign and security policy, prioritizing protection and solidarity with other allies over neutrality.
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Russia's threat to Sweden
Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to steer clear of conflicts between major powers. This policy of non-participation in military alliances has been in place since 1814. However, Sweden's foreign relations underwent a significant shift in 2022 with its decision to join NATO, marking the first time the country has been part of a military alliance since the War of the Sixth Coalition. This decision was largely influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Sweden perceived as an aggressive attitude towards the West.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Sweden to abandon its long-held neutrality and seek collective security by joining NATO. This move has strengthened Sweden's security through shared resources and cooperation with other NATO members. However, it has also led to increased Russian intelligence activity and hybrid warfare threats from Russia. Russian officials deny any wrongdoing and interference in Sweden's internal affairs.
Swedish officials have identified Russia as the greatest threat to its security, along with other countries like China and Iran. Russia's aggressive posture towards the West and its proximity to Sweden contribute to this perception of threat. There are concerns that Russia could exploit the elevated risk of extremist violence from far-right and Islamist groups within Sweden to conduct security-threatening activities. Additionally, Russia's efforts to undermine Western unity and spread disinformation pose a challenge to Sweden's national security.
To counter these threats, Sweden has increased its defence spending. In recent years, Sweden has allocated around 2.2% of its GDP to defence and aims to raise this to between 2.6% and 3% in the coming years. This increased investment in defence reflects Sweden's recognition of the evolving security landscape and its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.
In conclusion, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its aggressive stance towards the West have significantly altered Sweden's security priorities. Sweden's decision to join NATO and increase defence spending signal a departure from its traditional neutrality. While Sweden benefits from the collective security of NATO, it also faces heightened threats from Russia, including intelligence operations, hybrid warfare, and disinformation campaigns. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for Sweden's national security in the years to come.
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Nordic support for Sweden
Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to avoid alliances in peacetime to maintain neutrality in the event of war. This policy lasted from 1814 until the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sweden's security doctrine still stated that "Sweden pursues a policy of non-participation in military alliances," but it also permitted cooperation in response to threats to peace and security.
Following World War II, the Nordic countries, including Sweden, pursued the idea of a Scandinavian defence union to ensure mutual defence. However, this project collapsed due to differing opinions on NATO membership. In 1952, Sweden, along with Denmark, Iceland, and Norway, established the Nordic Council, which now also includes Finland. The Council holds ordinary sessions each year and has a specific theme. The Nordic Council of Ministers, an intergovernmental forum, was established in 1971.
In 2024, Sweden joined a military alliance for the first time since the end of the War of the Sixth Coalition by becoming a member of NATO. Sweden's defence spending is now among the highest of NATO members, at 2.2% of its GDP, with a plan to increase this to between 2.6% and 3% in the next three years. Sweden has also contributed to the formation of The Joint Nordic Air Command, which brings together the front-line combat aircraft of Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden under a unified command structure, supported by shared intelligence.
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Frequently asked questions
Sweden has historically pursued a policy of neutrality, aiming to avoid involvement in conflicts between major powers. This policy lasted from 1814 until the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sweden formally joined NATO in 2024.
Sweden and Norway were officially the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, a personal union of the separate kingdoms under a common monarch and foreign policy from 1814 until 1905.
Norway has supported Sweden's decision to join NATO, with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stating that Norway stands ready to assist its Nordic neighbour by all means necessary.
The Norway-Sweden strategy is a diplomatic strategy employed by England. It involves moving F Norwegian Sea-Barents Sea and F North Sea-Norway, with the support of either Russia or Germany.
The Joint Nordic Air Command is a joint military command structure between Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark that combines their 250 front-line combat aircraft under a unified command.
