Neutral No More: Why Sweden and Finland Are Joining NATO

Published December 6, 2022

Sweden and Finland are dropping their neutrality, joining NATO and returning to their historical opposition to Russia. Both countries have a long history of conflict with Russia. By joining NATO, Sweden and Finland have signaled that they believe alliances will be more effective than neutrality in preventing Russian expansion. 

Discussion Questions: 

1. How will Russia respond to Sweden and Finland joining NATO?
2. Do you support Sweden and Finland in joining NATO? Why, or why not?

Additional Resources:

• Read “NATO’s Nordic Realignment,” by Thomas Henriksen. Available here.
• Watch “Second Fronts in Great-Power Conflicts,” on PolicyEd. Available here.
• Read “Opening Up Second Fronts in Great Power Conflict,” by Russell Berman and Michael Auslin via National Interest. Available here.