A Convincing Finnish Move: Implications for State Identity of Persuading Sweden to Jointly Bid for NATO Membership

This article examines the consequences for Sweden’s state identity by decision of Finland and Sweden to apply membership in NATO. Taking its starting point shattering loss easternmost provinces 1809 Treaty Fredrikshamn, it explores initial formulations a policy neutrality evolution until end Cold War. The then directs attention how Social Democratic leaders managed institutionalise Swedish “active foreign policy”, exerting lasting, formative infl uence on identity. It also addresses rapprochement after War bilateral dynamics that characterised their EU-membership applications. critically discusses reformulated concept into nebulous nonalignment adopted security rooted cooperative approach. Based key findings drawn from this historical account, processes lead unexpectedly deciding jointly applying NATO membership. concludes with forward-looking assessment will ultimately stabilise adaptable implications Nordic countries’ regional military strategy.