Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership and its global implications

By Mirza Kashif Baig

The Russian Federation and the United States of America have been at each other’s throats for a long time. They don’t see eye to eye and have been each other’s rivals. This is mainly due to the conflicting philosophies of the two nuclear powers but most importantly because their powers rival each other. These countries were both huge world powers until the decline of the Soviet Union after which the USA gained the status of the single superpower of the world and with that, the world marked the end of the Cold War or so it was perceived. In present times, a second cold war has begun between the two mighty nations according to many. There are some, let us say much, who believe that the Cold War never ended but became less intense and continued on a minuscule level. It is not that difficult to understand if one puts some thought into it. Although the Soviet Union disintegrated, the Russian Federation and its strong influence remained in the Central Asia States (CARs). On the other hand, America has a strong alliance with North American, South American, European, and certain Asian countries. Any country warming up to Russia and its allies in terms of trade was bullied by the West the only way to maintain good relations with the West and the NATO countries was to disown Russia and its allies completely. The nuclear weapons and the conventional weapons of both countries (USA and Russia) rival each other and therefore both the countries perceive each other as a significant threat.  They couldn’t warm up to each other; hence, they were competing in weapons and other trades all the while maintaining a strong check on each other. Both the countries were bent on expanding their region of influence with the intent to enhance their power and corner the other. Since the western block has the edge over Russia, its reach been greater and so was the say in global matters. As has been depicted in case of Pakistan.  Despite Russia’s efforts, it was not considered a part of Europe, mainly due to the bitter past where Russia has stretched and fought with the Europeans, and Russia was always marginalized by the western powers. All the while Russia worked on the same agenda and looked to keep the western block in check. These facts lay a strong foundation for the belief that Cold War had never ended and always continued on in the shadows.  The Cold War could never end till one of the parties suffers a decisive defeat with little chance of recovery much like that suffered by Nazi Germany. This is a terrifying thought but one which is now closer to reality than ever as the Cold War between the two powers has again intensified and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the starting point of a decisive battle. Russia feels that America’s weaponization of Europe and the Baltic states by NATO is a breach of the treaty and is uncomfortable with NATO’s extension toward Ukraine as this would handicap Russia completely. Despite multiple warnings from Russia when Ukraine decided to move forward with NATO membership, Russia displayed the seriousness of her resolve by invading Ukraine, all the while issuing a warning to Sweden and Finland of dire consequences if they reached out to NATO. Considering that both Sweden and Finland are Russia’s neighboring countries, NATO membership would mean a serious threat to Russia.  Regardless of Russia’s warnings, both the countries have submitted applications for NATO membership and this could have dire global implications as Russia would not tolerate it and the Western block may respond directly to any Russian aggression. In such a scenario, a conflict between these powers would mean a world war, one which will prove to be deadlier than its predecessors. It is, therefore, for concerned world powers to resolve their conflict over dialogue as the world cannot withstand such a conflict.