Despite Sweden’s need for Turkish support in its NATO membership bid, Sweden permitted a protester to burn a Quran outside of a Mosque in Stockholm. Though Turkey may further delay Sweden’s bid, it seems Stockholm is destined to join the alliance, even if its success does not come at the upcoming Vilnius Summit.
Even without membership, Sweden is vying for NATO’s protection. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently announced that his country will allow NATO troops to operate within its borders. Despite Sweden’s robust defensive agreements, gaining an elevated alliance with the United States seems to be the nation’s goal. But instead of turning Sweden into yet another U.S. security burden, a growing military alliance should prompt a rethink of what the U.S. commitment looks like.
Membership in NATO would grant Sweden an Article V defensive pact with the United States—making the partnership as strong as they get. But the United States should carefully consider whether a conventional military obligation to Sweden is in its best interest. A full commitment to Swedish security should not absolve Sweden of its responsibility to protect itself, like the rest of Western Europe.
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