Is Sweden the Least Close with the UK Among Nordic Countries?

The relationship between Sweden and the United Kingdom is somewhat of an enigma in the context of the broader Scandinavian and Nordic regions. While some Nordic nations maintain strong ties and cultural affinities with the UK, Sweden's relationship is more nuanced and distinctive. This article delves into the historical, political, and cultural factors that contribute to Sweden's somewhat distant relationship with the UK, contrasting it with its neighboring countries.

Cultural and Linguistic Ties

Despite numerous shared cultural and linguistic ties, there is a notable disparity in the level of connectedness between Sweden and the UK. One of the earliest and poignant examples of this disjointed relationship can be found in a humorous anecdote involving a Norwegian Foreign Minister, Halvard Lange. Lange quipped, 'we do not regard Englishmen as foreigners... we look on them only as rather mad Norwegians,' underlining a unique bond that seems absent in the Swedish-UK relationship.

Sweden's unique perspective on the UK stems from its 'continental' outlook, which often looks towards Central European countries like Germany and France. This contrast is particularly evident in the driving culture, where Sweden only switched from right to left-hand driving in 1967, earlier than many of its neighboring countries. In comparison, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland have always driven on the right, aligning more closely with the UK.

Historical and Political Divides

Historically, Sweden's relationship with the UK has been mired in a complex interplay of political and military events. The dissolution of the Kalmar Union in 1523, where Sweden emerged as a separate entity from Denmark and Norway, laid the groundwork for future schisms. This historical schism has had profound implications, particularly in the context of the Second World War. Sweden, while maintaining a neutral stance, did not share the same military alliances as Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. This neutrality ultimately led to Norway dissolving its already loose union with Sweden in 1905.

Sweden's decision to not join NATO in 1949 further widened the gap between the two nations. In contrast, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland all joined the alliance, reinforcing their military cooperation with the UK. Additionally, Sweden's affiliation with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as a co-founder in 1960, alongside the UK, did not translate into a desire to join the European Community (precursor to the European Union) in the same way that Denmark and Norway did. Finland, interestingly, did not join EFTA until 1985, more due to its relationship with the Soviet Union than purely because of its affinity with the UK.

Modern-Day Implications

These historical and political factors continue to shape the contemporary relationship between Sweden and the UK. Today, while there are still many shared interests and cultural exchanges, the residual impacts of Sweden's historic and political trajectory make its relationship with the UK distinctly different from its neighbors. For instance, Sweden's strong cultural ties to the continent, particularly Germany and France, and its subsequent economic and political affiliations in institutions like the EU, often position it on a different trajectory than the UK. This distinction is not trivial, as it affects areas ranging from trade policies, political alliances, and cultural exchanges.

It is important to note, however, that Sweden's relationship with the UK is neither entirely detrimental nor positive. Sweden's liberal policies and its recent drive towards environmental sustainability mean that there are ample areas for collaboration. The UK's recent withdrawal from the EU has also created a new dynamic, potentially opening up new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade and environmental initiatives.

While the bond between Sweden and the UK may not match the affinities seen between other Nordic countries and the UK, it is not without its own unique benefits. Sweden's relationship with the UK offers a unique blend of skepticism and engagement, creating a dynamic that is both complex and fascinating to study.

Ultimately, the question of whether Sweden is the least close with the UK among its Nordic counterparts cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Instead, it reflects the nuanced and multifaceted nature of international relations. Understanding the historical, political, and cultural factors that underpin this relationship is crucial for any analysis or engagement in the future.