Sweden || Elite Marches, Hand-in-Hand with Erdoğan, into NATO

Sweden Joins NATO: A Report on the Implications

Introduction

On July 10, the day before the NATO summit in Vilnius, Sweden officially became a member of NATO, fulfilling the right-wing government’s long-standing desire for membership. This decision was influenced by the government’s alignment with the Erdoğan regime and promises from the United States regarding military cooperation. The implications of this historic step are significant, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.

Political and Military Strengthening of NATO

The inclusion of Sweden in NATO strengthens the alliance both politically and militarily. With Sweden’s membership, all Nordic countries are now part of NATO, effectively turning the Baltic Sea into a NATO-controlled region. This decision integrates the Swedish armed forces and arms industry into NATO, allowing Sweden to contribute to the alliance’s planning, exercises, operations, and deployments. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that the Swedish defense industry is an essential part of their commitment to NATO.

Historical Partnership and Alignment with US Imperialism

The path to Swedish NATO membership began in the 1990s with increasing cooperation and military participation in NATO-led wars. This partnership eventually led to Sweden becoming NATO’s closest partner and a member of the military alliance’s ‘gold club.’ Alongside this deepening cooperation, political and military ties with US imperialism have strengthened. The deployment of the US Patriot air defense system on Gotland further consolidates these ties.

Swedish Government’s Paradigm Shift

The blue-brown government has described Swedish NATO membership as an overarching goal. This represents a significant shift in foreign and security policy initiated by the previous Social Democratic government during the Ukraine war. To appease Erdoğan and secure membership, the Swedish government has made concessions such as increasing persecution against Kurds, abolishing the arms embargo against Turkey, and even writing a new constitution (terror law).

Implications for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The decision to join NATO and the subsequent military buildup in Sweden have implications for the SDGs. The increased military spending required by NATO’s goal of 2% of GDP by next year may divert resources from social welfare programs, potentially impacting SDG targets related to poverty reduction, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the militaristic approach and potential conflicts associated with NATO membership contradict SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Building Anti-NATO Resistance

While there is currently public support for NATO membership and military rearmament, it is expected that as the full implications become clear, public opinion may shift. It is crucial to build an anti-NATO resistance movement that opposes militarism, attacks on democratic rights and freedoms, and imperialism. The focus should be on securing a socialist future and peace through disarmament, nuclear bans, and a global struggle against imperialist plunder and militarism.

Conclusion

Sweden’s membership in NATO marks a significant development in the country’s foreign and security policy. The decision has political and military implications for both Sweden and the Baltic Sea region. However, it is important to critically assess the impact on the SDGs and prioritize efforts to resist militarism and imperialism in order to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.

We Say

• No to Swedish NATO membership and the new terror law.
• Tear up the agreement with Erdoğan. Stop deportations to Turkey.
• Neither Putin nor NATO — fight against all imperialism.
• Arm the welfare system, not the military.
• Stop arms exports. Nationalize the munitions industry under workers’ democratic control and governance to enable a transformation to civilian production.
• Global struggle against imperialist plunder and militarism. Immediate military disarmament and nuclear ban. Build a mass movement against war, terror, and violence — for a socialist world in peace and freedom.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates (target not explicitly mentioned in the article)
• SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels (target not explicitly mentioned in the article)
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources (target not explicitly mentioned in the article)

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: internationalsocialist.net

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