The Devolved Nordic Peace NATO's Northern Expansion and the New Security Equation in Europe

This study provides a reading for the many reasons behind the shift in the attitude of Sweden and Finland, from neutrality to NATO accession. Also, it seeks to answer a range of questions, the most important of which: Why is the West embracing and supporting Stockholm and Helsinki's desire to join the NATO? And why did these two countries – that have topped the indicators of good life, stability and growth for decades – decide to take a major leap and shift from welfare economies to potentially war economies since this step might not be accepted by Russia? Does this move indeed pose an explicit threat to Russia's national security?

Anas Al Qasas

Expert on strategic and international affairs, war and peace issues