NATO Membership for Finland and Sweden

Context

Recently, Finland and Sweden have shown interest to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Why are Sweden and Finland Not NATO Members? 

Finland-

• It has stayed out of such alliances because it always wanted to maintain cordial relations with its neighbour, Russia.
• For a long time, the idea of not joining NATO or getting too close to the West was a matter of survival for the Finns.
• However, the change in perception and an overwhelming support to join NATO came about following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden-

• Unlike Finland, whose policy stance was a matter of survival, Sweden has been opposed to joining the organisation for ideological reasons.

How have Russia and other Countries Reacted?

• Russia: Russia threatened to take military measures if the membership goes through and warned Finland to be aware of the consequences of this move.
• European and US: European Nations and the United States have welcomed the announcement.
• Norway and Denmark have said they will push for NATO admission faster.
• Until the membership is formally accepted, the US stated it is prepared to provide any necessary defence support or address any concerns.
• Turkey:Turkey opposes Finland and Sweden joining NATO.
• The Turkish government claimed that it could use its membership in the Western alliance to veto moves to admit the two nations.
• The Turkish government cited Sweden and other Scandinavian countries for supporting Kurdish militants and other groups it considers terrorist.

What is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?

• NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization which is also called the North Atlantic Alliance.
• It is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949.
• It Aims  to provide collective security against Soviet expansionism and to encourage European political integration in the aftermath of World War II.
• The organization constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by a non-member external party. 
• NATO’s headquarters are located at Boulevard Leopold III in the city of Brussels, Belgium, where the Supreme Allied Commander resides.
• There are 30 countries that are currently part of NATO. Two countries in North America and 28 European countries, including several former Soviet nations.