Traditionally, Sweden has remained a neutral nation, pursuing a policy of non-alignment in peacetime, and aiming at neutrality in the event of war. In 1993, Sweden extended $1,768,500,000 in economic aid. Sweden has begun to abandon this position of neutrality since the dismantling of the Soviet Union and has begun joining forces with organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Western European Union. When Sweden joined the European Union, there was a 52 % approval rate, a 46.9 % disapproval rate, and 9 % were undecided. Listed below is a listing of International Organizations that Sweden has membership in:
? African Development Bank
? Asian Development Bank
? European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
? European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
? Inter-American Development Bank
? Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
? United Nations (UN) and its agencies including:
? Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
? Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
? General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
? International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA)
? International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank)
? International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
? International Court of Justice
? International Development Association (IDA)
? International Finance Corporation (IFC)
? International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)
? International Labor Organization (ILO)
? International Maritime Organization (IMO)
? International Monetary Fund (IMF)
? International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
? UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
? UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
? Universal Postal Union (UPU)
? World Health Organization (WHO)
? World Intellectual Property organization (WIPO)
? World Food Programme
? European Union
6. Issues:
Currently Sweden’s issues range from politics, to international relations, to domestic problems and so on. Next year is an election year so naturally politics are on the minds of all of those involved, although the question of who will control Sweden is not a hard one. Many political parties are hoping to gain more seats, slowly working their way into the majorities’ slice of the pie.
Sweden today I often noted for its high standard of living and their extensive system of social security/welfare. Sweden is often these days characterized by its decline in certain sections of industry and trade (which has lead to a substantial measure of economic restriction. The formulation of Swedish foreign and security policy is changing as Europe changes. Their concept of “neutrality” will no longer be adequate or sufficient. Sweden is still not a member of any military alliance, bearing responsibility for personally and independently defending and protecting its country and people. Sweden is now taking steps to attach itself to a European Identity in foreign policy. Sweden has applied for membership to the EU, and has made efforts to develop contacts with the emerging new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. Along with strong support for the United Nations (a cornerstone of their foreign policy), Sweden is actively participating in international co-operation. Other concerns that Sweden is facing at the moment are the promotion of better human rights (which constantly is given attention if the circumstance calls for it), international disbarment (which Sweden supports), and a better concern for the environment.