The Sweden Arrival: Dancing Between Diplomatic Dilemmas and Regional Rumbles

On January 23, after nearly two years of negotiations and deliberations, the Turkish Parliament finally consented to Sweden's accession to NATO, marking a significant milestone in the alliance's expansion. With this decision, Sweden is poised to become the 32nd member of NATO, following in the footsteps of Finland, which joined in April 2023. The impetus for Sweden's decision to align with NATO stemmed from heightened security concerns in northern Europe, catalyzed by Russia's incursion into Ukraine. Recognizing the strategic importance of bolstering NATO's capabilities, particularly in air and sea defense, Sweden pledged to increase its defense spending to meet the alliance's 2% target.

Turkey's initial reluctance to endorse Sweden's NATO membership served as a strategic maneuver, underscoring its pivotal role in determining new entrants to the alliance. By leveraging its decision-making authority, Turkey sought to extract concessions from NATO and other member states, including assistance in addressing its own security challenges. Concerns raised by Turkey regarding Sweden's alleged support for organizations deemed hostile, such as the PKK, posed hurdles to the approval process, exacerbated by Sweden's commitment to freedom of speech.

Moreover, the cessation of arms sales to Turkey by both Sweden and Finland following Turkey's military intervention in Syria further complicated diplomatic relations. However, NATO membership offered Turkey an avenue to revisit arms negotiations, enhancing its military capabilities and geopolitical influence. President Erdogan's emphasis on NATO accession also served as a distraction from domestic issues, particularly amidst an impending election.

Similarly, balancing its relations with both entities, Hungary sought to capitalize on Sweden's accession to secure favorable outcomes. The cautious optimism surrounding Hungary's eventual approval highlighted the nuanced geopolitical calculus at play.

Russia's apprehension towards Sweden and Finland's NATO affiliation manifested in heightened military posturing, including the deployment of additional troops and weaponry near their borders. Perceiving NATO expansion as a threat to its national security, Russia issued warnings and indicated potential escalatory measures, further heightening regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Sweden's successful integration into NATO was met with jubilation by alliance leaders and member states alike, heralding a triumph for collective security efforts. The symbolic significance of Sweden's accession, coupled with the strategic advantages it offers, was lauded as a pivotal moment in fortifying global stability.

To conclude entry of Sweden would do more harm to Sweden than good, because not only its not very popular among them big players, it would hurt-drum roll please ofcourse Russia. Its like choosing the lesser evil but at the global stage not like we are a sheep in the forest waiting for the the tigers and lions to decide who will have you for dinner.