From Regional Forums to NATO Alignment: Institutional Adaptation in the Context of Sweden and Finland’s Accession

Jović-Lazić, Ana and Bošković, Stefan (2025) From Regional Forums to NATO Alignment: Institutional Adaptation in the Context of Sweden and Finland’s Accession. Međunarodna politika, 76 (1195). pp. 443-468. ISSN 0543-3657

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Abstract

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 reshaped the foundations of European security. In response, Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military nonalignment and transitioned towards NATO membership. This paper examines how, during the accession process (2022–2023), Finland and Sweden strategically reframed existing regional institutions, such as NORDEFCO, the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO-EU coordination mechanisms, and Nordic-Baltic forums, into instruments of political influence and normative action. Drawing on postulates of alliance theory (Walt’s balance-of-threat and Snyder’s alliance security dilemma), institutional regionalism, and theories of security alignment under crisis (Lake’s hierarchy model and Acharya’s regional security frameworks), we analyse how functional cooperation forums were transformed into platforms for strategic signalling, anticipatory coordination, and “soft deterrence”. Official statements and political speeches show that regional forums were used to demonstrate unity, coordinate defence efforts, and maintain deterrence throughout the period leading up to complete NATO integration. Partnerships that had previously focused on technical or economic cooperation took on a new role, helping align Nordic defence practices with those of allied structures and providing political legitimacy for the security transition. In this context, regional institutions acted as a bridge towards formal military alignment, supporting collective defence before treaty commitments were in place.

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