Neutral No More: Why are Finland and Sweden Joining NATO? (GRIPS/SISP Webinar)

The recent decision of Finland and Sweden to jointly apply for NATO membership will change the security architecture of Europe for the foreseeable future. It more than doubles the direct contact line between the alliance and Russia and transforms the Baltic Sea into a NATO lake. While some hail the decision as an important step toward increasing the security of the two states and the deterrence of Russian aggressions, others point to the escalatory effect this might have on the over-all security structure of the continent. Join us for a discussion with two scholars of Scandinavia’s international relations to analyze the situation.