What Sweden Brings to NATO

With the news that Hungary’s parliament has at long last voted to approve Sweden’s NATO membership application, many, not least in Sweden, have breathed a sigh of relief. More than 18 months after the application was first submitted, the process, which was initially expected to take only a few months, is finally over. Not everyone is relieved, however, with some Americans expressing concern that Sweden’s commitment to NATO is uncertain, and that it will prove to be yet another free-rider that will benefit from U.S. military protection while contributing little or nothing of value. This is often paired with concerns over Sweden’s accession needlessly provoking Russia. These fears are, fortunately, overblown.

First, there are many reasons why Sweden’s accession will actually strengthen NATO. Unlike many existing members, Sweden is already spending the required 2 percent of GDP on defense. In fact, even before the invasion of Ukraine, defense spending in Sweden was surging, having more than doubled since 2017. In stark contrast to the U.S. and many other NATO members that are struggling with military recruitment, the number of soldiers completing basic training in Sweden has increased by over 30 percent in just one year.

JG

About the Author

John Gustavsson

John Gustavsson is a writer from Sweden and holds a doctorate in economics. He is Senior Editor of Nation & Citizenship at Restoring the West and a former adviser to the Sweden Democrats in the European Parliament.

Featured Tags

With the news that Hungary’s parliament has at long last voted to approve Sweden’s NATO membership application, many, not least in Sweden, have breathed a sigh of relief. More than 18 months after the application was first submitted, the process, which was initially expected to take only a few months, is finally over. Not everyone is relieved, however, with some Americans expressing concern that Sweden’s commitment to NATO is uncertain, and that it will prove to be yet another free-rider that will benefit from U.S. military protection while contributing little or nothing of value. This is often paired with concerns over Sweden’s accession needlessly provoking Russia. These fears are, fortunately, overblown.

First, there are many reasons why Sweden’s accession will actually strengthen NATO. Unlike many existing members, Sweden is already spending the required 2 percent of GDP on defense. In fact, even before the invasion of Ukraine, defense spending in Sweden was surging, having more than doubled since 2017. In stark contrast to the U.S. and many other NATO members that are struggling with military recruitment, the number of soldiers completing basic training in Sweden has increased by over 30 percent in just one year.

JG

About the Author

John Gustavsson

John Gustavsson is a writer from Sweden and holds a doctorate in economics. He is Senior Editor of Nation & Citizenship at Restoring the West and a former adviser to the Sweden Democrats in the European Parliament.