The consequences of NATO membership for Sweden's identity as a state

The upcoming NATO membership of Sweden will impact the nation's identity as a state, transitioning from a history of neutrality and non-alignment to becoming a significant military actor in the Baltic Sea region. This is the view presented in a study that outlines how the country's self-image has evolved from the late 19th century to the present day.

In an article published in the journal Studies in European Affairs, Stefan Lundqvist, a senior lecturer in war studies at the Swedish Defence University, describes how Sweden's identity as a neutral and non-aligned state has emerged and developed from 1809 until the NATO membership application in 2022.

"I detail the processes that led to Finland and Sweden's unexpected decision to jointly apply for NATO membership, how the decision can stabilize Sweden's identity as a central Nordic actor on the Scandinavian peninsula, and the positive effects of a joint Nordic military strategy for the Nordic region," he explains.

Neutrality and non-alignment

For nearly 200 years, Sweden has pursued a progressive policy characterized by neutrality and non-alignment.

"Sweden has oscillated between seeking security internally, declaring itself neutral and observing the balance of power between the great powers, and externally by seeking collective security through active contributions to the international community," says Stefan Lundqvist.

The fact that Sweden's identity as neutral and non-aligned has not entirely reflected reality has not significantly impacted the nation's self-image.

"We have long had unilateral security guarantees from other countries, and, for example, signing the Lisbon Treaty was actually not compatible with our non-alignment. However, this inconsistency was not a major concern at the time, as the regional security situation was different, and there were more pressing matters to focus on," says Stefan Lundqvist.

Finland's initiative crucial for Sweden's NATO application

The deteriorating security situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year led to a rapid reassessment of the value of non-alignment.

"However, this change would have been impossible if Finland had not taken the initiative and started the process that resulted in Sweden and Finland jointly applying for NATO membership."

The NATO membership application thus invalidates the Swedish government's previous arguments for non-alignment – not to disturb regional stability – as it would risk Finland's security.

"In the face of the threat from Russia, the normative, liberal foreign policy was replaced with a narrower, realist-oriented policy focusing on military security."

Identity transformed by NATO membership and Nordic cooperation

Sweden's new state identity will thus be shaped by NATO membership, close cooperation with Finland, and the strategic location in the Baltic Sea region.

"We are moving from seeing ourselves as somewhat of a moral, diplomatic, and humanitarian superpower and an important actor in, for example, the UN, to a responsible military-strategic actor in the Baltic Sea region. I believe this will stabilize our identity as a state and lead to stronger collaborations in Scandinavia. It also creates opportunities for political cohesion with the other Scandinavian countries that we have not seen before," says Stefan Lundqvist.

Josefin Svensson