Many observers and analysts are speculating whether Finland and Sweden will be joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) because of the growing threat Russia’s war in Ukraine presents to Europe and to the Nordic countries in particular. 

Dr. Mikael Wigell of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs argues in an interview with Man & Culture that Helsinki has long ago completed its groundwork for NATO membership, adding that its upcoming membership application is a mere formality. This is also the case of Sweden, Wigell says as the two countries will join NATO together. Russia, however, may seek to sow discourse within NATO during the ratification process to prevent Finland and Sweden from joining. 

For more, please listen to our podcast interview with Dr. Wigelll.