Sweden and Finland are not members of NATO, though both nations have some nominal ties to the alliance for the sake of coordination. Still, they’re not proper members, so NATO’s Article V collective defense requirement doesn’t apply.
NATO’s Commodore Hans Helseth, however, argues that NATO should feel a “moral obligation” to defend Sweden and Finland militarily if either one of them gets attacked, adding the nations are welcome to join the alliance.
Sweden and Finland have long valued their positions of neutrality, which affords them certain advantages during periods of NATO-Russia tensions. It also means they aren’t obliged by treaty to jump into any huge wars NATO gets sucked into .
While there are some in each nation arguing in favor of joining NATO, it appears there is little reason for them to consider doing so, particularly if it turns out NATO feels obligated to come to their defense militarily at any rate.
Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz
- Separatists Attack Iran Military Parade in Ahvaz, Killing at Least 29 - September 22nd, 2018
- Israeli Delegation Continues to Try to Explain Downing of Russian Plane in Syria - September 21st, 2018
- German Companies Continue to Withdraw From Iran - September 21st, 2018
- As Afghan Military Deaths Soar, Officials Struggle to Keep Toll Secret - September 21st, 2018
- Afghan Officials Will Meet Taliban in Moscow - September 21st, 2018
NATO is preposterous, ridiculous and dangerous.
A post best read aloud in one’s best Jackie Chiles voice.
And what country is most likely to attack Sweden or Finland?
Answer: the US, which violates the sovereignty of both routinely.
The US should get out of NATO and let the Europeans settle their own disputes and pay the consequences if they can’t.
Risky, the Europeans might discover they don’t need us.