After nearly two years of negotiations, Sweden has successfully joined NATO, marking the second expansion of the alliance in the Nordic region since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This move is expected to escalate geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West, challenging the goals of mutual respect and sustainable development in European security.
From a geopolitical standpoint, Sweden's entry into NATO intensifies the confrontation in the Baltic Sea region. For Russia, the Baltic Sea serves as a crucial gateway to global markets and holds significant economic and military importance.
The accession of both Finland and Sweden to NATO eliminates neutrality in the Baltic Sea area, effectively surrounding Russia's maritime access with NATO members. Historically, Baltic countries have maintained a defensive stance towards Russia, and NATO's increased military presence is likely to exert greater pressure, enhancing Russia's sense of insecurity and prompting more robust military responses.
This escalation creates a vicious cycle of rising military tensions, complicating rational decision-making and crisis management for all parties involved. Sweden's robust defense industry, known for its advanced fighter jets, tanks, and artillery, will further bolster NATO's military capabilities in the region. Consequently, NATO's strengthened presence in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic poses a heightened security threat to Russia, potentially destabilizing the strategic balance in Europe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
