WHY TURKEY HAS FINALLY BACKED SWEDEN'S NATO MEMBERSHIP BID
- Sweden’s attempt to join NATO cleared a major hurdle after Turkey’s parliament supported its membership.
Key Highlights
- For a new country to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), all the existing members have to approve it.
- Turkey and Hungary had been opposing Sweden’s entry for almost the past two years.
Sweden's Motivation to Join NATO
- Sweden's historical neutrality and avoidance of war for two centuries
- Shift in stance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine
- Public opinion favoring NATO membership
- Joint application with Finland in 2022, with Finland's bid already approved
Turkey's Opposition to Sweden's NATO Bid
- Accusations against Sweden of leniency towards groups like the PKK
- Controversial Quran-burning protests affecting relations
- Linkage of Turkey's support to Sweden with the potential sale of F-16 fighter jets by the U.S.
Sweden's Contribution to NATO
- Geopolitical significance: NATO gaining almost all Baltic Sea coastline, except Russia-controlled areas
- Strategic advantages: Proximity to Russia, streamlined supply lines, and enhanced defense capabilities
- Overview of Sweden's modern and experienced military with advanced aircraft and submarine capabilities
Prelims takeaway
- NATO
- Map based question