In NATO’s Newest Member, ‘Total Defense’ Includes Teens and Retirees

When Sweden joins NATO as soon as this week, the alliance will gain a solidly anti-Russian member with a robust military that provides critical defense of Europe’s northern flank.

It also brings a country whose approach to national security—engaging teenagers, retirees, teachers and police officers in the country’s defense—offers a model for other European countries fearing Russian aggression.

“Everyone between the ages of 16 and 70 living in Sweden is part of Sweden’s total defense,” states the government emergency information website.

By conveying to ordinary people the need for security, Sweden also wins broad support for its military industry, which ranks among the world’s top in technology and exports.

“This is an area where I think Sweden punches above its weight,” said Defense Minister Pal Jonson.

Hungary has approved Sweden’s bid to join NATO, clearing the last hurdle for the alliance to complete a historic expansion launched in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The decision in May 2022 by Sweden and neighbor Finland to abandon decades of nonalignment and join the alliance was prompted by chilling proposals from Russia in December 2021—two months before it attacked Kyiv—that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization roll back its post-Cold War expansion and pledge to accept no more members.

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