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Key Facts
- Sweden has formally joined NATO, becoming the 32nd member of the American-led alliance, in response to Russia’s 2018 invasion of Ukraine.
- Sweden’s accession involved depositing its legal paperwork to the North Atlantic Treaty with the U.S. State Department, a process initially slowed down by hesitations from Turkey and Hungary.
- Following their accession, Sweden, which had largely dismantled its ground forces after 1989 but retained a powerful air force and navy, now has committed to reaching NATO’s goal of spending 2% of GDP on the military.
Article Summary
Sweden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO, following two years of contemplation triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The formal accession was achieved after Sweden submitted its legal documents to the U.S. State Department, a process which had initially been delayed due to uncertainties from Turkey and Hungary. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, who received the documents from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, said that Sweden’s membership is a direct result of Russia’s unsuccessful strategy in Ukraine. Sweden, which had largely dismantled its ground forces but maintained a robust air force and navy, has now committed to achieving NATO’s target of investing 2% of GDP in the military. The newly enlarged NATO now shares a longer land border with Russia, leading to statements from the Russian government about enhancing its own defenses.
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