Sweden as a Member of NATO—How Might the Role of International Law in Swedish Foreign Policy Change?

Sweden has a long history of neutrality and military non-alignment, but in March 2024 the country became a member of NATO. It was a big step for a nation that had had neutrality, or at least military non-alignment, as part of its identity for more than 200 years. It was a policy that led to the perception that Sweden had a unique voice and a unique role to play. On the other hand, we had already witnessed a gradual process where Sweden step by step instead sought security through cooperation with other states. In this regard, Swedish EU membership marked a significant change in the non-alignment stance. Ultimately, non-membership in NATO was all that remained of the old policy. This article discusses whether membership in a military alliance will change the role of international law in Swedish security policy in any substantial way or if Sweden’s position is consistent regardless of whether the country pursues a policy of neutrality or acts as a member of the EU and now a member of NATO.