STOCKHOLM, Sweden (May 25, 2023) Following a McCain Institute delegation to Stockholm, Sweden, McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas and current McCain Institute Board Member and former U.S. Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper released the following statements regarding Sweden’s application to join the NATO alliance. While in Stockholm, the delegation met with senior members of the Swedish government and key stakeholders from the private sector including Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, Chief of the Defence Staff LTG Michael Claesson, CEO of Saab AB Micael Johansson, and Senior Advisor at the Wallenberg Foundations AB Magnus Schöldtz. These conversations also focused on both countries’ steadfast support of Ukraine’s war effort, trends in the private defense sector, and the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Sweden.
“It was an honor to meet in Stockholm these past few days with senior officials, throughout the Swedish government, to talk about Sweden’s pending accession to the NATO alliance. We are convinced that Sweden’s armed forces will provide great capability to the NATO alliance and are already in a position to contribute more to the alliance. Additionally, Sweden’s geography is critical to containing Russian bad behavior and Stockholm’s support for Ukraine in its war against Russia has been vital,” said Dr. Mark T. Esper.
“As Senator John McCain used to say, half the battle is just showing up. Sweden has shown up year after year as a dedicated partner to the NATO alliance, choosing freedom and dignity over Vladimir Putin’s revanchist and reckless vision of the world. Now is the time to officially admit Sweden as the newest member of NATO,” said Dr. Evelyn Farkas.
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs advance democracy and human rights, empower character-driven leaders, combat human trafficking, and prevent targeted violence. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.