"Sweden's NATO Accession: Shifting Alliances and Regional Concerns"

After more than two centuries of neutrality, Sweden is set to join NATO, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy. The decision comes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing tensions between Russia and the West. While many Swedes have embraced NATO membership, there are also anxieties about the new alliance. Sweden's neutrality, rooted in the early 19th century, allowed the country to grow and develop as a modern state, but it was tested during World War II and the Cold War. Over time, Sweden has moved away from pure neutrality towards an alliance position, culminating in its decision to join NATO.