What would be the impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO?

Professor Andrew Dorman explores the impact of Finland and Sweden potentially joining the military alliance.

Explainer Video Published 23 May 2022 1 minute watch

What would be the impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO?

— Professor Andrew Dorman explores the impact of Finland and Sweden potentially joining the military alliance.

Professor Andrew Dorman

Former Editor, International Affairs, Communications and Publishing

Sweden and Finland have confirmed they will apply for NATO membership in a historic shift that comes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden stayed neutral in World War Two and for more than two centuries has avoided joining military alliances. Finland shares a 1,300-km (810-mile) border with Russia and stayed out of NATO to avoid antagonizing its eastern neighbour.