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BAKU - At the behest of the government in Stockholm, a 20-page brochure was sent to all households in Sweden in May 2018. The content of the pamphlet provides instructions to local citizens and what they can do in case of an armed conflict. To understand what Swedish policymakers are preparing for, we need to analyze the geopolitics of Sweden.
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, countries in Russia's immediate proximity are being confronted with difficult choices. That is to join NATO or not. This debate is especially notable in Sweden and Finland. Where public support for the alliance has risen. A survey in Finland showed that support for NATO membership increased from 20 percent in 2013 to 22 percent in 2014. A similar survey was held in Sweden, which showed an increase from 30 percent to 36 percent in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Now it's important to note that these numbers vary slightly from poll to poll, but one thing is certain, the overwhelming majority in both countries opposes joining NATO. And it is for this reason that both countries have held no referendum's regarding this subjects, simply because the local political parties fully know, they would lose such a referendum. Those who do support joining NATO argue that the alliance would protect Finland or Sweden from Russia. But skeptics argue that the very act of joining NATO could provoke Russia against the Nordic countries. So despite lacking the general support, this does bring forth and interesting question, just how feasible is the proposal to join NATO for Finland and Sweden?
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