Can Europe deter Russia for ever?

欧洲能否遏制俄罗斯?

Insider

2026-08-28

43 分钟
PDF

单集简介 ...

Sweden has had to toughen up. Russia’s war in Ukraine left it little choice. The country has raised defence spending, become a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and—in a remarkable turnaround after decades of neutrality—opted to join NATO. For Ulf Kristersson, Sweden’s prime minister, these shifts were necessary and overdue. But with the transatlantic alliance under strain and no end to Russian aggression in sight, is the security of Sweden—and Europe—more uncertain than ever?  Days before the country heads to the polls, David Rennie, The Economist’s geopolitics editor, travels to Sweden to ask Mr Kristersson about Putinism, populism and what it takes to lead in a head-spinning century.
更多

单集文稿 ...

  • I see no signs at all

  • that Russia has changed its basic logic behind this war.

  • We don't know when it ends,

  • but how it ends will define the security situation

  • in our part of the world

  • for at least a generation to come.

  • The war in Ukraine has forced Sweden to toughen up.

  • After nearly two centuries of neutrality,

  • the country joined NATO, defence spending has soared,

  • and it's one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters.

  • But Ulf Kristersson, Sweden's prime minister,

  • wants his country to get tougher still

  • as he sees no end to the threat from Russia.

  • The giant to the east is not his only challenge.

  • Sweden goes to the polls in mid-September,

  • and his right-wing coalition is trailing.

  • Like many centrists in Europe,

  • Mr. Kristersson is caught in a trap.

  • Public opinion has moved to the right on immigration in recent years.

  • Many voters want to keep tough policies