On March 4, 2023, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) initiated an exercise to defend the Northern region. Exercises involving over 20,000 troops from 13 countries will operate in the northern regions of Finland, Norway, and Sweden for nearly two weeks, creating a notable situation with NATO’s latest and final expansion.
More than 4,000 Finnish troops are participating in the exercises. For the first time, Finland is conducting exercises in the collective defense of NATO member states’ territories. The Finnish Defense Forces stated, “Finland will conduct exercises in the collective defense of alliance territories for the first time as a NATO member state.”[1]
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, has taken a historic step by joining the military alliance. Following the approval of the offer by all NATO members, neighboring Sweden is likely to complete the process of joining the alliance as the 32nd member, probably in March 2024.
After the end of the Cold War, Sweden and Finland have developed strong ties with NATO, but these countries have not taken a definitive stance on full membership until Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The two countries jointly applied for NATO membership in May 2022.
For years, the NATO exercise conducted along the Arctic borders of Northern Norway and held biennially has been referred to as “Cold Response.” With Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership, the exercise can now be interpreted from a broader perspective.
Among the countries participating in the exercise are Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United States (USA). Approximately half of the participating troops are receiving training on land, while the rest are training at sea and in the air. The joint exercises focus on the defense and protection of the Northern region.
According to information on NATO’s website, “The North holds an important and strategic position for NATO” and “The Nordic Response 2024 exercise enhances the ability to conduct large-scale joint operations in Nordic preparations and challenging weather and climate conditions.” Finland’s new President, Alexander Stubb, made his first overseas visit since being sworn in as Finland’s new head of state and highest military commander on March 1, inspecting the exercise in the north of Norway on March 7.[2]
The exercises conducted by NATO to defend Northern Europe with the participation of Finland and Sweden carry significant importance. NATO’s expansion represents a significant change in regional security dynamics, and these exercises can be seen as a step towards adapting to this new reality.
Furthermore, the process of Finland’s and likely Sweden’s accession to NATO affects political and strategic balances in the region. Finland’s accession to NATO emerged following Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The war in Ukraine reflects a significant change in countries’ foreign policy and security strategies.
In the decisions of Finland and Sweden to join NATO, it can be emphasized that their relationships with Russia are decisive. This demonstrates Russia’s influence in the region and the security concerns of these countries. Russia’s intervention in Ukraine has increased the interest of regional countries in NATO.
On the other hand, the scale and scope of the “Nordic Response 2024” exercise are noteworthy. The participation of over 20,000 troops and various military vehicles reflects serious security concerns in the region. It can be stated that such exercises are organized to enhance NATO’s military readiness and regional defense capacity.
The change in public opinion in Finland and Sweden regarding NATO membership is also highly significant. Russia’s intervention in Ukraine has led to a more favorable view of NATO membership among the public. This indicates a significant transformation in the public’s security and foreign policy preferences.
In this context, it can be argued that NATO may adopt a more dynamic and proactive policy, particularly towards the Northern Region, in the future. NATO, primarily aiming to create deterrence against Russia, may pursue this goal.
It is observed that NATO is accelerating its “anti-Moscow” moves in the European flank. At the same time, NATO may also aim to send a message to its rivals in other regions. Indeed, NATO is engaged in a strategic competition with China and North Korea in the Asia-Pacific region as well.
As a result, NATO’s toughening stance towards Russia and its adoption of a more proactive policy may lead to a more consolidated structure of other Western-based international organizations in their anti-Russia stance. This stance by NATO could increase pressure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding anti-Russia measures. NATO’s move could trigger a chain reaction that brings about new moves and actions in global politics.
[1] “Newly Enlarged NATO Starts Drill in Finland, Norway and Sweden in Defense of its Nordic Turf”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/nato-military-drill-nordics-finland-norway-sweden-87ff05e1bb24f77dc9d5b5bf09c709b0, (Erişim Tarihi: 04.03.2024).
[2] “Newly Enlarged NATO Starts Drill in Finland, Norway and Sweden in Defense of its Nordic Turf”, U. S. News & World Report, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-03-04/newly-enlarged-nato-starts-drill-in-finland-norway-and-sweden-in-defense-of-its-nordic-turf, (Erişim Tarihi: 04.03.2024).
