Northern Europe

Wieslander interviewed by Finnish STT on Nordic NATO debate

By Anna Wieslander

“If you compare the debate between Finland and Sweden, Finland is more actively discussing NATO. The [security] situation is closely monitored and decisions are made on the basis of that. In Sweden, we look back and think that the current policy has been stable and has served us well. Finland has a more flexible attitude,” […]

Wieslander interviewed by Times Radio on Putin’s goals in Ukraine

By Anna Wieslander

“This is a game he is playing on two levels. One is Ukraine and the attack and invasion we now see him pursuing. The other is the bigger game, which is a Europe that is rolled back to the Cold War and where Russia has clear spheres of influence and buffer zones, which include Eastern […]

Wieslander speaks to Marshall Center on “Sweden and Finland: Responses to the Russian Threat”

By Anna Wieslander

On the occasion of the Alumni in-residence-scholarship of Anna Wieslander, Director Northern Europe at the Atlantic Council, the Marshall Center organized an online seminar to analyze Sweden’s and Finland’s responses to Russia’s threats and aggression. Russia’s military attack on Ukraine on the same day made the seminar particularly relevant and timely.

Wieslander interviewed by “Expressen” on US intelligence of planned Russian invasion

By Anna Wieslander

Anna Wieslander, Northern Europe director at the Atlantic Council, said warnings of a Russian invasion are probably part of a deliberate US strategy. “They have used intelligence data strategically and they have chosen to be very open with what they have in order show Russia, ‘we see what you’re doing.’ But also to disrupt any […]

Wieslander interviewed by Radio Sweden on the history of NATO-Russian Relations

By Anna Wieslander

Since the 1990’s, many have contemplated Russian NATO membership and an EU-led European security order. Russia’s admission into NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1994 established many areas of Russian-NATO cooperation around the world. However, Putin’s rise to power and increased opposition to the US-led world order caused early optimism to deteriorate into full-blown confrontation.

Wieslander interviewed by Radio Sweden on Russian troop movements

By Anna Wieslander

“This is a long-term game about the future of our security order. This is about the type of world we want to live in,” said Wieslander.

Wieslander interviewed by BBC Radio on “Finlandization” of Ukraine

By Anna Wieslander

BBC: What does Finlandization refer to? Wieslander: It refers to the status of Finland during the Cold War when they had to enter a friendship cooperation and mutual assistance pact with the Soviet Union in 1948 and how they managed their relationship with the Soviets after that. Basically, limiting their sovereignty and space of maneuver […]

Wieslander on “Finlandization” of Ukraine in New York Times

By Anna Wieslander

“‘Finlandization’ would appear to rule out [the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine] and allow Moscow a heavy hand in Ukrainian affairs — concessions Kyiv and NATO have rejected as unacceptable, ” wrote the New York Times. “All of this goes against what Ukraine has been striving for,” said Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe […]

Wieslander interviewed on Putin-Macron meeting by Sweden’s “Expressen”

“[Putin] does not want to stop negotiating but rather continue increasing his sphere of influence in Europe. It is an interplay between military escalation and negotiations…If nothing happens militarily now, the chances of him taking action may be reduced. However, he can always withdraw and come back in the summer. We just don’t know. He […]