Authors: Luke Coffey and Daniel Kochis
Summary
Finland’s and Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) accession is an important step toward bolstering transatlantic security. Finland and Sweden possess robust military capabilities and decades of experience working with the U.S. and NATO. Far from being like other “free riders” who have contributed little to the alliance in recent years, their entry into NATO would provide a net contribution to regional security. The U.S. should wholeheartedly and speedily support their membership in the alliance, ensure steps are taken to help bolster their defense during the period of their application process, lead efforts inside the alliance to update and modernize NATO’s contingency plans in the Baltic region, and get NATO focused on Arctic security.
Key Takeaways
Finnish and Swedish NATO membership is in the U.S. national interest.
With robust military capabilities and decades of experience working with the U.S. and NATO, Finland and Sweden will be net security contributors to the Alliance.
Their accession will better secure the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and Nordic regions—making future conflict there less likely by removing any lingering ambiguity.