Swedish Security Policy A talk on neutrality in international relations by HE Mr. Johan Nordenfelt, the Ambassador of Sweden The expression Swedish Neutrality evokes a notion of something absolute and moral. What has been referred to as Swedish neutrality or Swedish policy of neutrality has one constant- it has been a policy instrument matched by the Swedish defence policy to protect Sweden's security, prosperity and independence. Historical background Sweden lost Finland to Russia in the Napoleonic wars which was a loss of a third of its national territory. The result was that armed forces toppled the king and a new Constitution was drafted. A Constitutional Monarchy was created. The King was replaced by one of Napoleon's field marshals, Brenadotte, who is the founder of the present dynasty. He was welcomed by Swedes with the hope that he would re-conquer Finland. However, while war against Russia was doubtful under the circumstances, war against Denmark would probably have been successful. He won Norway from Denmark. This led to strained relations between Sweden and Denmark for nearly a century. The union broke up in 1905 and formed the basis for a borderless community between the Nordic countries. With this, an unbroken period of peace began for Sweden. This has remained the basic theme in Swedish security and military policy through the years. Other countries tried this model as well in the 1800s but failed. The success of Sweden and Switzerland can be attributed partly to their geo-political location. Neutrality was not a goal but a policy instrument of safeguarding Sweden from the consequences of war. After World War II, the Swedish government stated in its foreign policy declaration in 1948 that Sweden must retain the ability to follow a neutral course. The govt declared that Sweden did not wish to become a member of great power blocs or give up its right and its ability to remain outside a new war by not making prior commitments. However, the govt made no unconditional undertaking to remain neutral should a conflict arise. In the years that followed World War II, the first steps towards the formation of NATO took place and Finland found it necessary to sign a friendship and cooperation pact with the Soviet Union. Soon thereafter, both Denmark and Norway were members of NATO. In this situation, the Swedish govt stressed that freedom of action was central to its security policy. In the course of the 1950s, a gradual shift started to take place. The formulations of the policy of neutrality now became more absolute. Neutrality was for the first time seen to be a goal in itself. The doctrine was now formulated to be a policy of non participation in alliances in peace time aiming at neutrality in war. In 1959, the then Prime minister said that the policy of neutrality did not allow Sweden, even under duress, to be a party to war. It had now begun to acquire the moral dimension that would linger for the next two decades. This coincided with the colonisation process and the formation of the Non Aligned Movement. As far as Sweden is concerned, it found its most vivid expression in the stance by the Swedish government towards the US in connection with the Vietnam war which led to strained relations between the two countries. As the cold war ended, one of the two military alliances ceased to exist. Russia's influence decreased and military infrastructure in Balkan area significantly reduced. A new security situation arose which led to reassessments in Swedish security policy. This was the time Sweden opted to join the European Union. In the process of preparing to join the EU, the Parliament modified the Swedish security policy. It was now described as non participation in military alliances aiming at allowing Sweden to be able to be neutral in case of war. While neutrality was retained as an option, it was limited to situations of war in Sweden's immediate neighbourhood. There was a retreat from the previous absolutist formulations. It was no longer the only option of principled behaviour in a conflict situation. This was complemented by declaring that maintaining non participation in military alliances did not imply any other restrictions in a situation of emerging multi-faceted international cooperation. So "Neutrality" was no longer an accurate description of Swedish security policy. With these changes, Sweden not only joined the European Union, but also began military cooperation with the western European Union members and with NATO in the area of peace keeping. The aim of the Swedish security policy is to preserve the country's peace and independence, contribute to security and stability in the vicinity, and strengthen national peace and security. Sweden pursues a policy of non participation in military alliance making it possible to remain neutral in the event of war in the vicinity. The description of Swedish security policy stresses that an adequate defence capability is a central component of Swedish security policy. Swedish membership in the European Union is now emphasised in this description of its security policy. Sweden has supported development of autonomous European Union capacity for civilian and military crisis. Two years ago, it was decided that by 2003, the European Union should be able to deploy, within 60 days, a crisis management force of upto 60,000 military personnel capable to be fielded for upto a year. It would also make use of NATO planning structures. A flexible framework for consultations had been adopted which allows the 15 EU members to consult with 13 EU associated countries. Considerable progress has been reached in institutional relationship between EU and NATO in crisis management matters. There are 4 working groups of the European Union Council of Ministers which meets every week to coordinate EU foreign and security policy. Heads of political affairs meet every second month. The Prime Ministers, Financial Ministers and Defence Ministers meet twice a year. The purpose is to have an ongoing practical dialogue. Sweden's objective has been to ensure full participation in decision making processes with respect to NATO . One way is through participation in arrangement for peace keeping operations. Sweden hosts a joint exercise in the Baltic every year with NATO forces. Sweden's security is linked to a secure Russia which remains a great power despite its problems. The European security structure would need to engage Russia as both Russia and the rest of Europe need to be able to enjoy the benefits of the wide ranging cooperation that is being developed within Europe. Sweden has a mutual interest in involving Russia. One aspect is close cooperation by Russia within the Euro Atlantic partnership Council. Russia is now allowed to participate in all NATO discussions albeit without any formal decision power. This has been a positive development for Sweden.