I greatly appreciate in depth discussions like this. Thank you France 24 for letting American's like me have real world news not just the next Trump disaster.
Agree, as a Swedish American I was astonished when I found out how difficult it is here in the US to follow international events in depth. Unless you know where to look you only get Trump/Biden bashing on the news.
@@scepticalwalker3984 As a Swedish American do you know a bit more specifically where you're from? Or know any swedish? Random questions from a curious Swede
Canada and Sweden are among the useless weaklings in NATO. Neither of you individually or collectively can match the Russians. Can they alter the outcome in Ukraine ? It seems to me after being defeated in Ukraine, NATO is chest beating about its prowess, only to ward off Russia giving a beating to a NATO country !
When will Canada join the team in actions and not mere words? It's been defence sponger since 1973. In 2023 a trove of leaked Pentagon secrets included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau privately telling NATO that Canada would _never meet_ the military alliance's targets for defence spending, the Washington Post reported. A blunt assessment stated 'widespread' military deficiencies in Canada that are causing friction with security partners and allies, reported the newspaper. Canada has faced criticism domestically and around the world fori ts refusal to meet NATO's spending expectations. Trudeau recently cut the defence budget by $210 million, and it's rumoured additional cuts of $1 billion are on the way. Canada is the only NATO member without a plan or a timeline to reach the alliance’s target of spending two per cent of GDP on defence.
@@Crashed131963 Just a reflection, Canada has no real enemies and geopolitically they're pretty safe where they are. NATO is not an orgaisation that you pay bills to, you spend on your own internal defense budget. So two questions: - Who the f*ck are you to question Canada? - Evem if what you say is true, them just being a member is a huge boon to NATO Dont drink the Trump coolaid, look at the bigger picture
11:37: William Alberque: _"Sweden has a myth about itself ..."_ Happenstance nobody in Sweden believe in this myth, and hasn't for a very long time. Sweden was essentially non-aligned, not neutral, and that non-alignment included some pretty well known agreements with USA. The non-alignment was just a necessity to support Finland that was coerced into neutrality by the Soviets.
He is not wrong. Before the 90’s most Swedes believed in that “identity”, while the political and military leadership knew the reality and worked with the US, UK and Finland behind the scenes. Neutrality was an identity, not a reality. I am glad we left the hypocrisy behind.
They are not going to stop me going to Russia, so don't even try. If my flight from Sweden is denied I'll just biy a car and drive. Silly people. I make Rambo look like a netballl player!
I think what Swedes realised that Russians in case of new conflict simply would not respect Swedish neutrality and invade Gotland, because this island is crucial for Russians to isolate the Baltic states. Swedes would have to fight anyway - for Gotland or just give it up - something they are not willing to do.
10 years ago I would not have been in favor of joining, but Russia have changed that. Born in the 70´s and grew up in the 80´sduring the last period of the Cold War. I hade Hope for peace when the CCCP fell apart, but lost it more and more with Putins Russia.
Same here. I wasn’t against NATO, but instead of joining I was rather for a strong national defense and more collaboration with Finland. Now things changed quite drastically. Since Finland wanted to join there was really no choice. It will workout for the best am sure. Most people supports this. I do too!
Still not in favor for Nato but at the same time its not the end of the world that we joined. Just dont think there was any real need to join them other then industrial and economic ones. Sadly media made it look to most as if we needed Nato more then Nato needed us.
These young people are delightfully optimistic and positive about mandatory service. This is needed in Canada. Sweden may have been nonaligned for years but they would have never faced the Russians alone. There would have been a Western uproar and violent reaction to Russian aggression against Sweden.
Like Gunilla said the 'normal' for sweden is to actually a have a big army and a lot of conscripts, and as a well integrated total-defence plan with the civil-socity. There is actually a law that every apartment with more then 3 floors has to have a saferoom for the public, this is still implemented today when we build new buildnings.
@@T1hitsTheHighestNote Well we had a big standing army for a longer time then we've been demilitarized as recent times suggest. So i think you need to brush up on your history mate.
There are 64 000 shelters that can house approximately 7 million people. I have 82 shelters within a 1 km radius where the closest one is 2 minutes walk away.
1955 Sweden had the third largest air force in the world after the USA and china. Yeah you read that right. 2024 Sweden has the second largest navy in nato in number of ships after the USA. Yeah you read that right.
I don't think I heard that this was a special shortened form of The Debate. Is the new length now about 25 minutes? Love the show, by the way - it helps so much in understanding world events and politics - thank you!
The peace movement in Sweden and the rest of Europe was heavily supported and infiltrated by Russia since the 80's. Just like they back in the 60's started to support the left movements, later they also turned to the Green as well and since the 90's they also supported the ultimate right wing and this all over Europe. This is how Russia works, they support both fractions in society that fight each others because it causes turbulence in in the country and divide people and that is a win for Russia. Sweden has also since both during the Cold War but also after been politically pressured by Russia and even as far as the now more regular threats with nuclear and military actions if Sweden does this or Sweden does that. Almost a yearly event was Russian test runs with nuclear strategic bomb planes doing a mock attack on Sweden and just turning right before entering Swedish airspace but also the incursions with naval ships/ submarines that's been going on since at least the 60's, So Russia has been picking on Sweden for as long as I have lived and tried to dictate Swedish politics and what or what not to do. The neutrality ended in 1992 with a change in the Swedish doctrine when Sweden chose the non alignment, Sweden have basically been at war with Novgorod Republic/ Russia between 1164-1809 so there is not a lot of love for Russia among the majority and for sure not those that grew up during the Cold War era. However what best shows the Swedish none alignment doctrine back in 1992 is that in 1994 Sweden and also Finland joined NATO's PFP program and that changed the military as well, Swedish military training started to implement NATO structure and order systems. Then in 1995 Swedish troops was for the first time deployed under NATO command/ down to group and platoon level in Doboj. Also notable is that Sweden have pretty deep ties with Ukraine that goes back to the 7th century with the Vikings/ Varangians/ Rus ( Rus/ Rus people/ Ruser comes from the part of Sweden where they Vikings traveling down to Kyiv from, a region called Roslagen South of Uppsala ) Then you have Ingegerd Olofsdotter of Sweden, also known as Irene or Anna/ St. Anna that was the Princess of Kyiv 1035-1050. There are still a village in Southern Ukraine Kherson region with a Swedish name /Gammalsvenskby where people still speak Swedish and uphold Swedish traditions, so Sweden have a lot of different ties to Ukraine. Finally. What people in general miss and I do understand they do is that they see Russia as a country like any other Western or European country and that is the biggest mistake. Russian history will tell you everything about Russia, it has never ever in its history been a democratic country. Russia has always been a Serfdom and the mentality of the Russian people comes from their history and it's called social heritage. Russians do not think or act like Western people because their mindset is so rooted in generations of Serfdom and the will to reach success at any cost. Russia has shown time over time that they only language they understand is meeting force with bigger force. I suggest that if anyone don't understand this last part, do study Russian history and if you want to know how the ruling class of Russia see their people, just read Russian military history and it will tell you anything you need to know. Then I also suggest to read about Social heritage to get a picture of what I talk about. Of course if you're Russian any discussion is unnecessary because you will never understand and as we all know, "Russian lips move they're either on OnlyFans or it's lies"
The guy at 7:15 don't want to be a neighbor with American, who never had a war with Sweden in history, yet he's comfortable to be a neighbor with Russia, who had big wars with Sweden in history, and currently waging a massive war in Europe. Very interesting.
@@gingataisen I'm sure he wouldn't, he is - perhaps naively - hoping to have neither. Remember we have stayed out of wars for 200 years, that mindset takes a while to change for some.
I love listening to the Swedes and Fins. They have a better understanding of Russia than most. I'm sooooo glad they are with us. Great addition to NATO.
A soldier fighting in war is fighting for peace. That is the goal that sends them home. But if one side is an aggressor on the other, then there may be no place to go home to until after victory.
European news is doing a great job helping relieve the aloofness Americans have about our allies. I wish I could tell you whats going to happen here with our elections. I'll be going all blue on my ticket but there are people here that live on an exclusive diet of OAN, newsmax, Tucker Carlson, & Christian nationalist podcasts.
It is hard to describe Sweden as neutral during ww2 and the Cold war. In ww2 Sweden balanced between German and UK/US. During the Cold war there were secret treaties with US/UK about the nuclear umbrella protection and US bombers being allowed to fly over Sweden. In addition Sweden provided intelligence (or exchanged) to UK/US. And Sweden also had secret military agreements with Finland and planning. For instance Sweden kept a surplus of Draken fighter jets for Finland (that was not allowed to have more than a certain number of fighter jets). With the official NATO membership there is now a chance to really plan an efficient joint defense of the Nordic countries, including the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region. Our countries are quite similar and it must be possible to set up a better defense that relies less on external actors, such as US.
baltic sea cant be defended by 4 small corvettes without aa missles. Baltic states and finland dont have any navy at all. By joining Nato we risk all our navy to defend others who cant help us at all. America will be busy with china and i pivoting away from eastern europe to pacific. Joining nato juat increased risk for swedes to die for baltic states or poland. Coubtries that belonged to 4 different countries last 100 years and for sure will get into new wars. Sweden lost 300 years of peace and the people didnt even vote about the nato membership.
William Alberque made some good points on the Baltic Sea strategy plan, but he spoke way too fast and I can barely keep up with what he was saying. Strong NATO🤝
The Home Guard and the Army is actually quite well integrated. The Home Guard supports the army with a lot of tasks, like guard and patrol service, with the host land support, and are always included in the big NATO exercises. Next year both the Army and the Home Guard will also rearm themselves with the same service rifle for the first time in our history, the SAKO AR-10/15 clone labled AK24.
Sweden has not been neutral since 1940. In WW2 It supported Finland in the Winter War and allowed Nazi-German troops to pass through its territory. During the Cold War it flew reconnaissance missions for the US and had a secret assistance agreement with the US in case of war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Sweden has supported Ukraine with military help since 2022.
During WW2 Sweden also trained and eauiped ca 1 division of Norwegian soldiers and 1 brigade of Danish soldiers that were planned to be inserted into their home countries When called to liberate them. We gave the allies intelligence and the V2 missile thst crashed in Sweden.
Yeah that is what neutrality is. Not picking sides, but selling to everyone. Making deals with everyone. Neutrality is not what you seem to think it is; to ignore everyone.
To our Swedish friends, allies and partners ....Welcome to the Club. Welcome to NATO. We are far, far stronger with you, with Sweden helping to defend the North. Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
For those who do not have a deeper knowledge of the conflict in Ukraine, it is recommended to watch Colonel Daniel Davis' YT channel when he interviews Jacques Baud who worked on a NATO mission in Ukraine for several years. There are at least 2 different interviews. Jacques has worked in many different countries as he has extensive knowledge in several areas. Jacques has also worked for a few years on UN assignments. Jacques goes back to the 1990s to today to explain events that affected the conflict.
Don't worry, we all have paid armies (ie: people that WANT to do the job) with up to date material & decades worth of shared trainings, even if sh*t somehow hits the fan hard (and that's extremely unlikely) we're not gonna get pulled away from our couch and beer any time soon.
@@suicidalbanananana Speak for your lazy self. The bulk of our armed forces consists of unpaid reservists. In fact, almost our entire adult male population is or has been one.
@@mnufeld8448 Yeah that's great, but when ethnic Swedes are a minority in many neighborhoods and even close to that in the whole city of Malmo I believe, than all that stuff is kinda useless, don't you think?
14:33 ohhhh He left out Denmark. Look at the Danish island of Bornholms strategic position compared to Kaliningrad. Also all the Nordic air forces have signed a treaty where they will work most more like one then just being part of NATO would do.
Hello from Canada. I'm about 5:30 into the video, and I see that the Swedish young people are so beautiful, both boys and girls. I hope no harm comes to them. I guess their immediate training will be to learn how to defend the main purpose of that island. The main purpose is likely to have various types of short to long range missiles to strike the enemy at sea anywhere around them, and to strike right into the heart of Russia if need be. These tanks and infantry people will need to protect the island from invasion, thus protecting the missiles, and the radar and tracking systems as well. This is just my best guess as I am not a military person.
Good piece. On a side note, these conscripts are on the upper end of the bell curve- they have been selected to become ”company echelon command cadets”, which means they will become deputy platoon leaders and tank commanders. They performed well on all tests, especially the cognitice and psychological ones.
neutrality is by strength , not by choices. if your small weak country security is in such threats against an overwhelming super powers , there should be compulsory military services, military spending should jump up to 4-5 % or even much much higher . unprepared for wars and wait for foreigners to fight for your war , is not a good strategy.
Well, during the 50/60's Sweden had the 4th largest airforce in the world. And they always flew very agressively, like it was always wartime. NATO pilots weren't alowed to fly that way, because the Swedish way killed many, many times more pilots. Defence spending in the 60/70's topped at 3,7% I think. And every able man served in the military. So it was not like we tried to be "free riders". And we are not going to be free riders within NATO either. We add strength from the start, and we are expanding as fast as is practically possible. Money is not the issue.
Yes it should be 6% as it was before..now they must buy back everything that was given away or sold for a bargain...shelters must be restored.Army must be back up to same size it was in beginning of the 80th also we have seen now its impossible to have too much airdefence and drones,missiles.Armed vehicles ok but seems to be less important to have many tanks and more important being able to defend electrical power and civilians....damn all Russians their actions costs too damn much for the neighbours the idiots havent even been able to lift its own ppl out of poverty still they prefer start war on countries minding their own business and welcoming Russian citizens as tourists or those who found a partner and a job.Nobody was treating them bad still they manage to sell in a war that has nothing in it to gain for them against ppl who didnt want them any harm..IDIOTs rules Kreml thats crystalclear
That guy who didn't want American weapons near him should be glad they're there. Your sons will have the freedom not to join NATO as soldiers because of a strong defense.
In the case of Finland and Sweden, we take each others position very, very seriously. It used to be the same kingdom for 700 years. The words "Sweden" and "Finland" only referred to the eastern and western parts of the realm.
A high priority for the eu must be the coordination of armament manufacturing across the eu. The goal is to creating a manufacturing strategy based on the lessons learned from Ukraine to be able to manufacture arms at the consumption rate documented in Ukraine. Manufacturing must be fully redundant in two different countries with geographic diversity. They should have an inventory of at least 6 months. With this model they can meet their own needs while supporting countries like Ukraine.
I am happy to see there are lots of youngsters willing to fight, and almost only old who does not understand that if attacked by Putin, the only way out is to fight.
Welcome to reality Swedish peacenicks! My sister too was a long-term pacifist but a belligerent Russia changed that. I hope Europe wakes up and quickly rebuilds their military.
The integrated Nordic airforce should be followed with an integrated Baltic Navy, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweeden and Finland together make a substantial naval force. The simplified command and communication with the integrated airforce will allow optimal defence and logistical support to the frontline states and to contain Kaliningrad.
Joining NATO definitely makes Sweden safe from external (Russian) threat, but it has to expeditiously deal with internal jihadi threat. This has been a self inflicted wound. Welcoming illegal immigration from Islamic countries was unwise in the extreme. It has put gentle Swedes in harms way. Urgent course correction is needed.
Well, lack of threats makes for a very soft, peaceful and vulnerable society. Swedes have been needing to urgently course-correct for 2 decades already. But they are now finally turning the boat around. Its a self-inflicted wound for sure, but it will make their culture less naive - so it is not only bad.
we had very big trust in our society and to people prior. Now we don't trust anyone. The way people demonize us has been a wake up call. There is some very horrible people in the world even among our so called allies.
@@Mosern1977 If it's not forbidden by law, it's by definition not "illegal". You seem to struggle with the concept of laws. It's really not that complicated.
Well, we have a huge ARMY if needed. Every man and woman that hunts in the woods have lots of weapons, so that would be a guerilla warfare that would not end well for any agressor, Same is probably the same in finland. I think i read somwhere that we have around 2 million hunting rifles just laying around, and we have orders that we shall never surrender no matter what happens or what we are told by propaganda. Its like what people say, when the forests starts speaking Swedish or finish or any nordic language you should probably be worried, we have a lot of forests up here.
I hope or strategy for the Baltic will be the same even if we join Nato. That is to be the strongest navy in the area if we include our friends in Denmark and Finland. As before the war that makes us secured form any naval threats. Only real change I hope to see is that Danmark lets Sweden and Finland Take over the Baltic presence so they can focus fully on having a larger presence in the Norwegian Sea, North sea and arctic regions together with Norway and Canada. That way we can use our resources better than we did before joining Nato
I want to congratulate France 24 for finding the only photo of Prime Minister Kristersson where he doesn't look like a 14year old intern at his first summer job.
The number of migrants willing to sign up for the Sweedish defence forces will be an interesting statistics that needs to be monitored over the coming decades.
I read some survey that showed that immigrants are more willing to defend the country than ethnic Swedes. However, the difference was not great. But it still surprised me.
@@dennislindqvist1265 i think a lot of immigrants and first generation citizens feel a debt of gratitude to their new country for the oppurtunities granted and therefore feel the need to give back. There is a high level of immigrant participation in the US military as well
Knut Stahle really has no clue of what is at stake here 😢 He may think he does though and it’s this nativity that makes people like him kinda adorable, but they seriously have to wake up now!
Here is my idea of how to end the Russia-Ukraine War in 1-2 years. First, Ukraine ought to mobilize one additional million soldiers, 500 thousand of which are dedicated to infantry soldiers for fighting in trenches, the rest is used for rotation of the frontline combat soldiers, and when the Ukrainian armed forces can retake all of the territory back including Crimea, then NATO can officially declare accepting Ukraine's expedited application for joining NATO Alliance. The Ratification should start right away shortly after so that NATO can move its troops into Ukraine to guard all of Ukraine's borders.
@@Sziasztok742 More like Putin is the clown, acting like his military can do anything when they cannot even take air superiority over a country with no air force LOL and his Navy looks out of the ship windows and see fishes going by. What a clown Putin is.
it's understandable statement. in a perfect world, no one should have to pick between NATO and Russia, but there are no sides in a nuclear war. Still would prefer peace
I'm glad that Sweden protect gotland I pass on ferry from Poland to Sweden nice trip Smooth Sweden in NATO they should stay in Gotland 10 years straight with army without problem 300km from Kaliningrad to gotland Russia got crazy
Good work , thank you . Understanding what the current Russian government is and Russians mindset of why they think and act as they do is important . But most important is Ukrainian victory in this war .
The reason they want militirisation is because they have never seen a war. But they are about to see it. People need to think about peace and love of their neighbour.
Thank you for the show. Super dangerous and incredibly naive peace protesters, a gift to Putin's brutal regime and a notable danger to the freedoms of the democratic world. The same sort of campaigners that opposed rearmament during the 1930’s and who made it so much harder for countries to resist the invasions and takeovers of 1940.
It should be said that while being unaligned Sweden was everything but not a weapon or military free zone. Conscription being reintroduced is mostly the big change but everything military has been there all the time.
@@donaldlyons17 Because societies used to have an unwritten contract along the lines: 'I will protect my country from enemies thus I will learn how to do that by being conscripted for a period of time.' Why would anyone revolt against that? Typically all European countries also have an alternative to military conscription
@@AlexKall Well no their is a train of though that said "no one owes ____ anything" so I disagree there is no reason to think of being part of a society as having any obligations since they are not obligated to take care of each member!!!
The request for access to parts for F-16 upgrades was approved. Erdogan has moved towards autocratic rule but the value of Sweden was high enough to compromise. Turkey has been building the F-16s themselves and only wanted to upgrade to a newer standard.
Persian Gulf has been and will continue to be a hotspot for Iranian meddling just as the South China Sea has been militarized by China on those artificial islands. Your jab is a defense for why Gotland should be allowed.
As soon as dependece on oil is reduced the hormuz strait can be seald without the rest of the world caring. The red sea is another issue. I would imagine Egypt taking a stronger stance in keeping that lane open in the future.
There is a Swedish documentary called Jägarsoldat, its about conscripts doing Ranger training. There is a blond girl, Josefin, very small but with a great attitude. Worth a watch.
![fellow fellow - พรุ่งนี้ไม่มีใครรู้ feat. INK WARUNTORN [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QP6JyjYx_W0/mqdefault.jpg)
I greatly appreciate in depth discussions like this. Thank you France 24 for letting American's like me have real world news not just the next Trump disaster.
Agree, as a Swedish American I was astonished when I found out how difficult it is here in the US to follow international events in depth. Unless you know where to look you only get Trump/Biden bashing on the news.
Or the last one! Yes, thanks,
@@scepticalwalker3984 As a Swedish American do you know a bit more specifically where you're from? Or know any swedish?
Random questions from a curious Swede
And here I thought Biden was moving the USA towards WW3. 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡................
@hejnickhej I follow Swedish, British, German and French news. The EU is doing fine given the circumstances.
Hey Sweden welcome to NATO from your friends in Canada,glad to have you guys on the team.🇨🇦🤝🇸🇪
Thank you Canada! Although being on the same team with you sounds strange, all I can think of is ice hockey rivalry 😅
Canada and Sweden are among the useless weaklings in NATO. Neither of you individually or collectively can match the Russians.
Can they alter the outcome in Ukraine ?
It seems to me after being defeated in Ukraine, NATO is chest beating about its prowess, only to ward off Russia giving a beating to a NATO country !
When will Canada join the team in actions and not mere words? It's been defence sponger since 1973.
In 2023 a trove of leaked Pentagon secrets included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau privately telling NATO that Canada would _never meet_ the military alliance's targets for defence spending, the Washington Post reported. A blunt assessment stated 'widespread' military deficiencies in Canada that are causing friction with security partners and allies, reported the newspaper. Canada has faced criticism domestically and around the world fori ts refusal to meet NATO's spending expectations.
Trudeau recently cut the defence budget by $210 million, and it's rumoured additional cuts of $1 billion are on the way.
Canada is the only NATO member without a plan or a timeline to reach the alliance’s target of spending two per cent of GDP on defence.
Canada does not pay it 2% NATO bill .
@@Crashed131963 Just a reflection, Canada has no real enemies and geopolitically they're pretty safe where they are.
NATO is not an orgaisation that you pay bills to, you spend on your own internal defense budget.
So two questions:
- Who the f*ck are you to question Canada?
- Evem if what you say is true, them just being a member is a huge boon to NATO
Dont drink the Trump coolaid, look at the bigger picture
What a relief to know Sweden and Finland have added their strategic intelligence, strength and courage to NATO. As an American, I welcome this.
Well it is nice to see Americans liking nato, i feel like some Americans dont like nato or maybe i am wrong
@@starscream6657 Those who don’t like NATO don’t understand it…or history. I love Europe and would like to see it remain free, prosperous and strong.
It's a tragedy for Swedes and Finns.
@@thestraightroad305NATO will be the reason Europe gets entagled in a war. And the only one who will profit from this is the US😅
germany.. “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.”
― Leon Trotsky
Comment while handing Lenin a ticket to Moscow?
11:37: William Alberque: _"Sweden has a myth about itself ..."_ Happenstance nobody in Sweden believe in this myth, and hasn't for a very long time. Sweden was essentially non-aligned, not neutral, and that non-alignment included some pretty well known agreements with USA. The non-alignment was just a necessity to support Finland that was coerced into neutrality by the Soviets.
Couldn't agree more that William Alberque's comment is unhinged.
He is not wrong. Before the 90’s most Swedes believed in that “identity”, while the political and military leadership knew the reality and worked with the US, UK and Finland behind the scenes. Neutrality was an identity, not a reality. I am glad we left the hypocrisy behind.
They are not going to stop me going to Russia, so don't even try. If my flight from Sweden is denied I'll just biy a car and drive. Silly people.
I make Rambo look like a netballl player!
@@DarrenJamiesonJamiesonif you find it difficult we can help you leave.
@@vilandar No worries. Remember my friend. The Angling Policeman. lol
I think what Swedes realised that Russians in case of new conflict simply would not respect Swedish neutrality and invade Gotland, because this island is crucial for Russians to isolate the Baltic states. Swedes would have to fight anyway - for Gotland or just give it up - something they are not willing to do.
10 years ago I would not have been in favor of joining, but Russia have changed that. Born in the 70´s and grew up in the 80´sduring the last period of the Cold War. I hade Hope for peace when the CCCP fell apart, but lost it more and more with Putins Russia.
Same here. I wasn’t against NATO, but instead of joining I was rather for a strong national defense and more collaboration with Finland. Now things changed quite drastically. Since Finland wanted to join there was really no choice. It will workout for the best am sure. Most people supports this. I do too!
Still not in favor for Nato but at the same time its not the end of the world that we joined.
Just dont think there was any real need to join them other then industrial and economic ones. Sadly media made it look to most as if we needed Nato more then Nato needed us.
Samma här
10 år sedan var du smartare.
Hysteria råder just nu bland folk och våra utokrater med sina aktieportföljer älskar det.
These young people are delightfully optimistic and positive about mandatory service.
This is needed in Canada.
Sweden may have been nonaligned for years but they would have never faced the Russians alone.
There would have been a Western uproar and violent reaction to Russian aggression against Sweden.
Militarily non-aligned, and even that was debatable.
Thank you so much for saying that, much appreciated. Especially from Canada!
Not so sure probably there would been same talk about afraid to escalate things from many countries
Well, done France 24 English to lightening out these very important areas to the viewers of the free world!
Like Gunilla said the 'normal' for sweden is to actually a have a big army and a lot of conscripts, and as a well integrated total-defence plan with the civil-socity. There is actually a law that every apartment with more then 3 floors has to have a saferoom for the public, this is still implemented today when we build new buildnings.
This is not true, haven't been for many years.
@@T1hitsTheHighestNote Well we had a big standing army for a longer time then we've been demilitarized as recent times suggest. So i think you need to brush up on your history mate.
There are 64 000 shelters that can house approximately 7 million people. I have 82 shelters within a 1 km radius where the closest one is 2 minutes walk away.
🇫🇮 🇸🇪🫡
Swedes are smart!
They're cute too.
@Malcolm-rt4fh We are smart like you!
How about the new migrants?
LoL. The amount of delusion is hilarious.😂
Those Swedish girls could kill me on the battleground anytime they want!!
1955 Sweden had the third largest air force in the world after the USA and china. Yeah you read that right.
2024 Sweden has the second largest navy in nato in number of ships after the USA. Yeah you read that right.
The curse of having Russia as your neighbour...
Democracy is worth protecting. As a Vietnam Era vet, I welcome your embrace of Collective security that NATO strives for. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🙏
I don't think I heard that this was a special shortened form of The Debate. Is the new length now about 25 minutes? Love the show, by the way - it helps so much in understanding world events and politics - thank you!
This is a condense version of the 45-Minutes France Debate shown every Friday. It's still 45-minutes still!!
@@MannyLoxx2010 Thank you!
7:26 They managed to film the old cafe Ryska gården (Russian courtyard), now a tapas bar called Eden. It's amazing the old sign is still up.
Excellent reporting, thanks!
The peace movement in Sweden and the rest of Europe was heavily supported and infiltrated by Russia since the 80's. Just like they back in the 60's started to support the left movements, later they also turned to the Green as well and since the 90's they also supported the ultimate right wing and this all over Europe.
This is how Russia works, they support both fractions in society that fight each others because it causes turbulence in in the country and divide people and that is a win for Russia.
Sweden has also since both during the Cold War but also after been politically pressured by Russia and even as far as the now more regular threats with nuclear and military actions if Sweden does this or Sweden does that. Almost a yearly event was Russian test runs with nuclear strategic bomb planes doing a mock attack on Sweden and just turning right before entering Swedish airspace but also the incursions with naval ships/ submarines that's been going on since at least the 60's, So Russia has been picking on Sweden for as long as I have lived and tried to dictate Swedish politics and what or what not to do.
The neutrality ended in 1992 with a change in the Swedish doctrine when Sweden chose the non alignment, Sweden have basically been at war with Novgorod Republic/ Russia between 1164-1809 so there is not a lot of love for Russia among the majority and for sure not those that grew up during the Cold War era. However what best shows the Swedish none alignment doctrine back in 1992 is that in 1994 Sweden and also Finland joined NATO's PFP program and that changed the military as well, Swedish military training started to implement NATO structure and order systems. Then in 1995 Swedish troops was for the first time deployed under NATO command/ down to group and platoon level in Doboj.
Also notable is that Sweden have pretty deep ties with Ukraine that goes back to the 7th century with the Vikings/ Varangians/ Rus ( Rus/ Rus people/ Ruser comes from the part of Sweden where they Vikings traveling down to Kyiv from, a region called Roslagen South of Uppsala )
Then you have Ingegerd Olofsdotter of Sweden, also known as Irene or Anna/ St. Anna that was the Princess of Kyiv 1035-1050. There are still a village in Southern Ukraine Kherson region with a Swedish name /Gammalsvenskby where people still speak Swedish and uphold Swedish traditions, so Sweden have a lot of different ties to Ukraine.
Finally.
What people in general miss and I do understand they do is that they see Russia as a country like any other Western or European country and that is the biggest mistake. Russian history will tell you everything about Russia, it has never ever in its history been a democratic country. Russia has always been a Serfdom and the mentality of the Russian people comes from their history and it's called social heritage. Russians do not think or act like Western people because their mindset is so rooted in generations of Serfdom and the will to reach success at any cost. Russia has shown time over time that they only language they understand is meeting force with bigger force.
I suggest that if anyone don't understand this last part, do study Russian history and if you want to know how the ruling class of Russia see their people, just read Russian military history and it will tell you anything you need to know. Then I also suggest to read about Social heritage to get a picture of what I talk about. Of course if you're Russian any discussion is unnecessary because you will never understand and as we all know, "Russian lips move they're either on OnlyFans or it's lies"
The guy at 7:15 don't want to be a neighbor with American, who never had a war with Sweden in history, yet he's comfortable to be a neighbor with Russia, who had big wars with Sweden in history, and currently waging a massive war in Europe. Very interesting.
15 countries were invaded by russia in the last 100 years ONLY. there' s a map with countries and years on the web..
He doesn't want to be neighbour with American _nuclear arms_, I don't think he has anything against American people.
@@JonasBergling Would he prefer russian nuclear weapons instead?
It's a common shill tactic. They are called peaceniks
@@gingataisen I'm sure he wouldn't, he is - perhaps naively - hoping to have neither. Remember we have stayed out of wars for 200 years, that mindset takes a while to change for some.
What an interesting&informative vid. Thanx France24!
I love listening to the Swedes and Fins. They have a better understanding of Russia than most. I'm sooooo glad they are with us. Great addition to NATO.
There is no greater peace activist than a soldier who has seen war.
Unicorns are better!
A soldier fighting in war is fighting for peace. That is the goal that sends them home. But if one side is an aggressor on the other, then there may be no place to go home to until after victory.
Yes, 200 years of wars saw Swedem embrace neutrality.
only if they were losing
if they were winning, they tend to watch to go back on more tours...
European news is doing a great job helping relieve the aloofness Americans have about our allies. I wish I could tell you whats going to happen here with our elections. I'll be going all blue on my ticket but there are people here that live on an exclusive diet of OAN, newsmax, Tucker Carlson, & Christian nationalist podcasts.
Good reporting. Thank you.
It is hard to describe Sweden as neutral during ww2 and the Cold war. In ww2 Sweden balanced between German and UK/US. During the Cold war there were secret treaties with US/UK about the nuclear umbrella protection and US bombers being allowed to fly over Sweden. In addition Sweden provided intelligence (or exchanged) to UK/US. And Sweden also had secret military agreements with Finland and planning. For instance Sweden kept a surplus of Draken fighter jets for Finland (that was not allowed to have more than a certain number of fighter jets). With the official NATO membership there is now a chance to really plan an efficient joint defense of the Nordic countries, including the Baltic Sea and the Arctic region. Our countries are quite similar and it must be possible to set up a better defense that relies less on external actors, such as US.
baltic sea cant be defended by 4 small corvettes without aa missles. Baltic states and finland dont have any navy at all. By joining Nato we risk all our navy to defend others who cant help us at all. America will be busy with china and i pivoting away from eastern europe to pacific. Joining nato juat increased risk for swedes to die for baltic states or poland. Coubtries that belonged to 4 different countries last 100 years and for sure will get into new wars. Sweden lost 300 years of peace and the people didnt even vote about the nato membership.
Viking longships.. I think the EU/Europe already knows that. Macron is moving towards it and try to drag our blind arses along!
In WWII, Sweden were neutral on the side of Germany...
Great video report. Very interesting.
William Alberque made some good points on the Baltic Sea strategy plan, but he spoke way too fast and I can barely keep up with what he was saying. Strong NATO🤝
I’m a native English speaker and I found the sound quality and speed of his voice hard to understand and irritating.
Both Sweden and Finland have been participating in NATO exercises and even some ops for decades.
A lot of the military footage they show in this video is showing the home guard not regular army. The home guard uses the ak4 (Heckler & Koch G3).
The Home Guard and the Army is actually quite well integrated. The Home Guard supports the army with a lot of tasks, like guard and patrol service, with the host land support, and are always included in the big NATO exercises.
Next year both the Army and the Home Guard will also rearm themselves with the same service rifle for the first time in our history, the SAKO AR-10/15 clone labled AK24.
Sweden has not been neutral since 1940. In WW2 It supported Finland in the Winter War and allowed Nazi-German troops to pass through its territory. During the Cold War it flew reconnaissance missions for the US and had a secret assistance agreement with the US in case of war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. Sweden has supported Ukraine with military help since 2022.
During WW2 Sweden also trained and eauiped ca 1 division of Norwegian soldiers and 1 brigade of Danish soldiers that were planned to be inserted into their home countries When called to liberate them.
We gave the allies intelligence and the V2 missile thst crashed in Sweden.
Sweden declare itself non-belligerent during the Winter war of 1939 When Soviet invaded.
Sweden gave up their nukes to the US and handed over plutonium for hundreds of nukes in return the US promised the swedes protection.
@@leifnordh9109 non-belligerent is not neutral, it allows for military support and is essentially one step below being active participant.
Yeah that is what neutrality is. Not picking sides, but selling to everyone. Making deals with everyone. Neutrality is not what you seem to think it is; to ignore everyone.
Canada 🇨🇦 welcomes our new NATO members Finland and Sweden
Same as Hockey...?! 🤔😝
To our Swedish friends, allies and partners ....Welcome to the Club. Welcome to NATO. We are far, far stronger with you, with Sweden helping to defend the North. Toronto, Ontario, Canada,
Thank you.
For those who do not have a deeper knowledge of the conflict in Ukraine, it is recommended to watch Colonel Daniel Davis' YT channel when he interviews Jacques Baud who worked on a NATO mission in Ukraine for several years. There are at least 2 different interviews.
Jacques has worked in many different countries as he has extensive knowledge in several areas. Jacques has also worked for a few years on UN assignments.
Jacques goes back to the 1990s to today to explain events that affected the conflict.
I dont wanna go to war. I like my couch and my beer.
Don't worry, we all have paid armies (ie: people that WANT to do the job) with up to date material & decades worth of shared trainings, even if sh*t somehow hits the fan hard (and that's extremely unlikely) we're not gonna get pulled away from our couch and beer any time soon.
@@suicidalbanananana Speak for your lazy self. The bulk of our armed forces consists of unpaid reservists. In fact, almost our entire adult male population is or has been one.
@@suicidalbanananana true words 👍
@@icu17siberia baltik states?
To underestimate the Swedes is like underestimating the Vikings. Do it at your peril.
Ha ha ha how's that multiculturalism going in Sven's Sweden?
@@lappo2534Exactly the thought that crossed my mind.
Swedes are incredibly delusional. The whole world knows how cucked you are.😂
@@lappo2534Sweden with stealth frigates & AIP subs, and their effective Gripen fighters, which they can operate from stretches of highway
@@mnufeld8448 Yeah that's great, but when ethnic Swedes are a minority in many neighborhoods and even close to that in the whole city of Malmo I believe, than all that stuff is kinda useless, don't you think?
Good unteresting talks 👍🇸🇪
14:33 ohhhh
He left out Denmark.
Look at the Danish island of Bornholms strategic position compared to Kaliningrad.
Also all the Nordic air forces have signed a treaty where they will work most more like one then just being part of NATO would do.
I think he replaced Denmark with Iceland. Sutbly offending 5 million Danes XD
Luxembourg and Switzerland, both neutral in 1940, one was strong, the other was not.
Why does Putin look different in EVERY picture???
Hello from Canada. I'm about 5:30 into the video, and I see that the Swedish young people are so beautiful, both boys and girls. I hope no harm comes to them.
I guess their immediate training will be to learn how to defend the main purpose of that island. The main purpose is likely to have various types of short to long range missiles to strike the enemy at sea anywhere around them, and to strike right into the heart of Russia if need be. These tanks and infantry people will need to protect the island from invasion, thus protecting the missiles, and the radar and tracking systems as well. This is just my best guess as I am not a military person.
Good piece. On a side note, these conscripts are on the upper end of the bell curve- they have been selected to become ”company echelon command cadets”, which means they will become deputy platoon leaders and tank commanders. They performed well on all tests, especially the cognitice and psychological ones.
very balanced discussion. Thanks.
? In what way?
This young generation at least has a little warning to prepare instead of waiting till an invasion occurs...so proud of the youths!
neutrality is by strength , not by choices. if your small weak country security is in such threats against an overwhelming super powers , there should be compulsory military services, military spending should jump up to 4-5 % or even much much higher . unprepared for wars and wait for foreigners to fight for your war , is not a good strategy.
Well, during the 50/60's Sweden had the 4th largest airforce in the world. And they always flew very agressively, like it was always wartime. NATO pilots weren't alowed to fly that way, because the Swedish way killed many, many times more pilots. Defence spending in the 60/70's topped at 3,7% I think. And every able man served in the military. So it was not like we tried to be "free riders". And we are not going to be free riders within NATO either. We add strength from the start, and we are expanding as fast as is practically possible. Money is not the issue.
Yes it should be 6% as it was before..now they must buy back everything that was given away or sold for a bargain...shelters must be restored.Army must be back up to same size it was in beginning of the 80th also we have seen now its impossible to have too much airdefence and drones,missiles.Armed vehicles ok but seems to be less important to have many tanks and more important being able to defend electrical power and civilians....damn all Russians their actions costs too damn much for the neighbours the idiots havent even been able to lift its own ppl out of poverty still they prefer start war on countries minding their own business and welcoming Russian citizens as tourists or those who found a partner and a job.Nobody was treating them bad still they manage to sell in a war that has nothing in it to gain for them against ppl who didnt want them any harm..IDIOTs rules Kreml thats crystalclear
Putin wanting to "get the band back together" .... ok :D
Thanks, FR 24.
That guy who didn't want American weapons near him should be glad they're there. Your sons will have the freedom not to join NATO as soldiers because of a strong defense.
The girl, I wake up at 5? Yea I do that too every day? You special much?
To Do or Not To Do, only each nation know best or not?
In the case of Finland and Sweden, we take each others position very, very seriously. It used to be the same kingdom for 700 years. The words "Sweden" and "Finland" only referred to the eastern and western parts of the realm.
A high priority for the eu must be the coordination of armament manufacturing across the eu. The goal is to creating a manufacturing strategy based on the lessons learned from Ukraine to be able to manufacture arms at the consumption rate documented in Ukraine. Manufacturing must be fully redundant in two different countries with geographic diversity. They should have an inventory of at least 6 months. With this model they can meet their own needs while supporting countries like Ukraine.
But I thought Putin invaded Ukraine because he didnt want NATO to border Russia....and now it does in Finland!
And what about Bornholm?
I am happy to see there are lots of youngsters willing to fight, and almost only old who does not understand that if attacked by Putin, the only way out is to fight.
Is not Bornholm and Åland strategic?
The former Koenigsburg is a post WW II exclave of the former Soviet Union, not an enclave.
thanks for the clarification!
Welcome to reality Swedish peacenicks! My sister too was a long-term pacifist but a belligerent Russia changed that. I hope Europe wakes up and quickly rebuilds their military.
The integrated Nordic airforce should be followed with an integrated Baltic Navy, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweeden and Finland together make a substantial naval force. The simplified command and communication with the integrated airforce will allow optimal defence and logistical support to the frontline states and to contain Kaliningrad.
William Alberque has an impeccable taste in music, if I'm allowed to digress a bit
i think 500 years since Treaty of Kalmar Unifying all three Scandinavian nations,
Russia has a poor navy and no experience using it.
But a formidable submarine missile fleet, yes?
Joining NATO definitely makes Sweden safe from external (Russian) threat, but it has to expeditiously deal with internal jihadi threat. This has been a self inflicted wound. Welcoming illegal immigration from Islamic countries was unwise in the extreme. It has put gentle Swedes in harms way. Urgent course correction is needed.
Well, lack of threats makes for a very soft, peaceful and vulnerable society. Swedes have been needing to urgently course-correct for 2 decades already.
But they are now finally turning the boat around.
Its a self-inflicted wound for sure, but it will make their culture less naive - so it is not only bad.
we had very big trust in our society and to people prior. Now we don't trust anyone. The way people demonize us has been a wake up call. There is some very horrible people in the world even among our so called allies.
I don't think you know what "illegal immigration" means....
@@victorcapel2755 - well, who says its "illegal", when its "everyone welcome" as long as you manage to reach the border.
@@Mosern1977 If it's not forbidden by law, it's by definition not "illegal". You seem to struggle with the concept of laws. It's really not that complicated.
Noteworthy is how the Russian Runt forgot to declare Gotland as "always Russia"
i want a Luxury Bunker for myself.
Not first time Sweden defends Gotland :)
Well, we have a huge ARMY if needed.
Every man and woman that hunts in the woods have lots of weapons, so that would be a guerilla warfare that would not end well for any agressor, Same is probably the same in finland.
I think i read somwhere that we have around 2 million hunting rifles just laying around, and we have orders that we shall never surrender no matter what happens or what we are told by propaganda.
Its like what people say, when the forests starts speaking Swedish or finish or any nordic language you should probably be worried, we have a lot of forests up here.
Kaliningrad is Czech... It's called Královec...It was German, Polish, Russian..now it's our turn, 99% of people voted for annexation...😅
I hope or strategy for the Baltic will be the same even if we join Nato. That is to be the strongest navy in the area if we include our friends in Denmark and Finland. As before the war that makes us secured form any naval threats. Only real change I hope to see is that Danmark lets Sweden and Finland Take over the Baltic presence so they can focus fully on having a larger presence in the Norwegian Sea, North sea and arctic regions together with Norway and Canada.
That way we can use our resources better than we did before joining Nato
I want to congratulate France 24 for finding the only photo of Prime Minister Kristersson where he doesn't look like a 14year old intern at his first summer job.
And he as surpassed the Magdalena clown in recent polls which is great.
The number of migrants willing to sign up for the Sweedish defence forces will be an interesting statistics that needs to be monitored over the coming decades.
I read some survey that showed that immigrants are more willing to defend the country than ethnic Swedes. However, the difference was not great. But it still surprised me.
@@dennislindqvist1265 i think a lot of immigrants and first generation citizens feel a debt of gratitude to their new country for the oppurtunities granted and therefore feel the need to give back. There is a high level of immigrant participation in the US military as well
Oh my God, they are just children ...
Knut Stahle really has no clue of what is at stake here 😢
He may think he does though and it’s this nativity that makes people like him kinda adorable, but they seriously have to wake up now!
all of you in this video know s that Russian would never attack Sweden or Finland
Here is my idea of how to end the Russia-Ukraine War in 1-2 years. First, Ukraine ought to mobilize one additional million soldiers, 500 thousand of which are dedicated to infantry soldiers for fighting in trenches, the rest is used for rotation of the frontline combat soldiers, and when the Ukrainian armed forces can retake all of the territory back including Crimea, then NATO can officially declare accepting Ukraine's expedited application for joining NATO Alliance. The Ratification should start right away shortly after so that NATO can move its troops into Ukraine to guard all of Ukraine's borders.
This scenario would only happen in Hollywood. you're like zelensky, you're the same clown
Call Zelenski. He desperately needs your military expertise.
Wishful thinking.
Ukraine don't have enough soldiers to mobilize thy were finished during the counteroffensive.
@@Sziasztok742 More like Putin is the clown, acting like his military can do anything when they cannot even take air superiority over a country with no air force LOL and his Navy looks out of the ship windows and see fishes going by. What a clown Putin is.
@@kirilld6206 Zelenski knows what he is doing since he is winning the war for 2 years now.
It is all because of Putin. It is not because of NATO expansion😂😂😂
Some people actually believe you. How sad
We have been thinking it 60 years. Sence 1945
it's understandable statement. in a perfect world, no one should have to pick between NATO and Russia, but there are no sides in a nuclear war. Still would prefer peace
I'm glad that Sweden protect gotland I pass on ferry from Poland to Sweden nice trip Smooth Sweden in NATO they should stay in Gotland 10 years straight with army without problem 300km from Kaliningrad to gotland Russia got crazy
The Baltic Sea is a NATO sea!
The economic zones, the rest is international waters.
@@AlexKall Yes of course. I was speaking metaphorically.
bellorus should be red on the map
Good work , thank you . Understanding what the current Russian government is and Russians mindset of why they think and act as they do is important . But most important is Ukrainian victory in this war .
The reason they want militirisation is because they have never seen a war. But they are about to see it. People need to think about peace and love of their neighbour.
Good for you Sweden!
The Strategy is that no russian ships allowed on Baltic sea!!!
Thank you for the show. Super dangerous and incredibly naive peace protesters, a gift to Putin's brutal regime and a notable danger to the freedoms of the democratic world. The same sort of campaigners that opposed rearmament during the 1930’s and who made it so much harder for countries to resist the invasions and takeovers of 1940.
8000 conscripts in 2024
You need to up your game.
@@peabase yeah 26/4 we get the defense committee report on the future of swedish armed forces we see what they say!
@@AXXeYY While at it, have your committee design a horse, so that you can equip a camel corps. Sorry, couldn't resist.
@@peabase we have horses its called CV90 its have 600 horses 😉
@@AXXeYY It's what cavalry units or dragoons would use nowadays, sure.
Mordor makes people come together
I'd say it's time to renegotiate Russian passage through the Danish straits.
OK
It should be said that while being unaligned Sweden was everything but not a weapon or military free zone. Conscription being reintroduced is mostly the big change but everything military has been there all the time.
@@donaldlyons17 Because societies used to have an unwritten contract along the lines: 'I will protect my country from enemies thus I will learn how to do that by being conscripted for a period of time.' Why would anyone revolt against that? Typically all European countries also have an alternative to military conscription
@@donaldlyons17 a citizenship doesn't only come with benefits and rights, there are also obligations to the society that you are a part of.
@@AlexKall Well no their is a train of though that said "no one owes ____ anything" so I disagree there is no reason to think of being part of a society as having any obligations since they are not obligated to take care of each member!!!
Dont make another war...you know it.
See ruZZia
Mission creep. It’s only Putin pals that say that. It’s about time to name and shame.
Turkey was promised F16 if they just allowed Sweden into NATO. How did that work out or was the USA once more let a small NATO country down?
The request for access to parts for F-16 upgrades was approved. Erdogan has moved towards autocratic rule but the value of Sweden was high enough to compromise. Turkey has been building the F-16s themselves and only wanted to upgrade to a newer standard.
They still aren't getting the F-35; the F-16 is so 20th Century.
Turkey tried a power move in the once in a millenium chance they had, and now their allies know how trustworthy they are. Everyone knows now.
"small" ? :)
So, whats the point here? USA bad, NATO bad, Sweden bad?
As a Swede I am deeply depressed because stupid decisions of our politicians are irreversible.
Clovis Casall didnt grow up with bomb shelters in the cold war? How old is he?
If he's French, he probably didn't, no matter his age
Im born 1980, Swedish, it wasnt that big of a thing for my generation we knew about them but we didnt have drills etc like the older generations.
Soon, the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and South China Sea will no longer be neutral. You set the pace and don't complain.
Persian Gulf has been and will continue to be a hotspot for Iranian meddling just as the South China Sea has been militarized by China on those artificial islands. Your jab is a defense for why Gotland should be allowed.
As soon as dependece on oil is reduced the hormuz strait can be seald without the rest of the world caring. The red sea is another issue. I would imagine Egypt taking a stronger stance in keeping that lane open in the future.
Maybe western nations should level everything and just take whatever will be left... that's how Ruzzians see "diplomacy", right ?
We need more blonde models in the military!
There is a Swedish documentary called Jägarsoldat, its about conscripts doing Ranger training. There is a blond girl, Josefin, very small but with a great attitude. Worth a watch.
God bless Sweden and Finland. Welcome to NATO.