What are the benefits and drawbacks of adding Finland and Sweden to NATO?

Both nations are stepping away from their long-held neutrality

The NATO symbol.
(Image credit: Illustrated | iStock)

Both Finland and Sweden have now formally applied to join the NATO military alliance, whose leadership has made it clear it would welcome both countries quickly (barring any complications from alliance member Turkey and its president).

But what benefits would an expanded Nordic influence bring NATO, Finland, and Sweden? What are the potential drawbacks?

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Brigid Kennedy

Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.