RUSI Newsbrief, 24 Jun 2013 By Matthew WillisWhen it involves the viability of a country’s defence policy, there may be nothing unusual about disagreement between the analytical community and the govt.. Seldom, however, are the edges in as thorough disagreement as they’re in Sweden, where a transformation in strategic outlook, an intensive reform programme, a shrinking defence budget and a high operational tempo have all converged. While Defence Minister Karin Enström maintains that Swedish defence is under control, others – in Sweden and beyond – say it’s in meltdown. As is frequently the case, as a matter of fact somewhere in between.

Other countries are watching Sweden closely, especially Finland – its non-aligned neighbour – and the Baltic states, which still look to it for backing in an unpredictable neighbourhood. Britain must be watching too. London has identified the ‘like-minded’ countries of northern Europe as key allies in defence and other areas of policy. Within the broader strategic context of Europe’s dwindling defence capability, it cannot afford to work out a key regional stalwart lose its way.

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Posted in Security Systems