Recently the Swedish government announced that starting next year conscription would be put back in place after its abolishment in 2010. Sweden is a neutral country and they are not a member of NATO, due to the Trump administrations hesitance to honor its military guarantees, Sweden has been forced to drastically increase their military strength because they have no one they can rely on. Lately Russia has taken a very aggressive stance in east Europe by doing things such as annexing Crimea, supporting the insurgency in Ukraine and countless provocative training drills on the door steps of other countries. Sweden's army has never been that big, especially when compared with Russia's and with the volunteer only military, Sweden's military is suffering from a lack of personnel. Another serious threat to Sweden is cyber attacks in the last 9 months of 2016 there have been reports of 200 cyber attacks on public infrastructure and 60 have led to major problems, Russia is suspected to be behind the majority of them as the Defense minister of Sweden says "I think Russia tries to have an impact on the Swedish debate and political decisions,” he said. “That’s what I think.”
Questions
1. Do you think that Sweden is right to Reinstate the draft?
2. Do you think that the U.S. will help Sweden if it is attacked?
3. Do you think Russia would consider launching a military engagement in Sweden?
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/world/europe/sweden-draft-conscription.html?_r=0
I think it makes sense why Sweden is reinstating their draft and they have a right to do so. I think that the US will help its ally even if Trump wants to make America more isolationist. I dont think Russia will attack Sweden as it seems too risky and unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sweden needed to reinstate the draft. Their volunteer army isn't large enough, and sadly, there is no knowing what Trump or Russia will do next. I have no idea where the U.S. stands with Sweden, but I do know that Trump probably wants to keep our military focused on U.S. related issues.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the reinstatement of the draft was needed for Sweden. I do believe that if Sweden request the US's help then the US will provide aid, although what Trump has been saying, the US wants to focus on itself right now.
ReplyDeleteThe draft is much needed, especially with the constant cyber attacks. With its volunteer only military, it would be hard to defend against a powerful army like Russia. I am not sure if the current US administration is willing to defend a neutral country such as Sweden.
ReplyDeleteIf there are constant cyber attacks, then the draft probably will be needed. I do think that Sweden is right to do this as well. With what Trump has stated, I do not think the US would provide Aid. Trump has said time and time again that the US is going to focus on itself for right now.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that it was right or that it was necessary for Sweden to reinstate the draft but i do understand where they are coming from, with all the cyber attacks it is scary I'm not sure that the US would help Sweden given our current administration but I do not think that Russia would actually attack Sweden
ReplyDeleteI think that is right for the Swedish government to take the right military precautions in such an unstable time. There would be nothing worse than to be left defenseless and vulnerable if Russia were to make a military advance on the surrounding European countries, so reinstating the draft might help Sweden protect their citizens.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Caroline that they had no choice but to reinstate the draft because they have to be prepared for Russia or the United States next move might be
ReplyDeleteThey were forced to reinstate the draft as they do not have the required amount of people volunteering to be able to protect themselves from Russia based off of the cyber attacks
ReplyDeleteI feel like even if Sweden had to draft, they would not have enough still and would need to ask the US for aid. A country with a small army like Sweden has no chance against a dominant army like Russia.
ReplyDeletei feel that even a swedish draft would be minimally effective, and that energy would probably be better spent bargaining for allies against intrusive russian action. however, this is speculation, and a lot of the evidence was "believed" to have been russia
ReplyDeleteI think that the draft would be necessary to help grow the army in Sweden.
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ReplyDeleteI think the draft could help Sweden protect itself because it lacks the support from other countries. That said, its strength would still be a lot weaker in comparison to other countries, and Sweden will undoubtedly suffer if Russia decides to attack.
ReplyDeletethe draft will help the country get stronger, because they are neutral which means they don't have any allies. I don't think the US will help because again the country of Sweden is neutral. I dont think russia would do something like that because it would break the international laws that countries have with each other.
ReplyDeleteI believe sweden has every right to draft a bigger military, but that could only spell more of a standoff between it and Russia as well as other nations surrounding Russia. Russia, however, might not intervene with a traditional military attack in Sweden, but only use the noted cyber attacks. Warefare is transitioning into these cyber attacks, and Sweden may end up being on the end of Russia's new and only offensive in computers.
ReplyDeleteI think Sweeden is doing the right thing by reacting in fear from the Russians because they don't want to potentially be Rick-Rolled by Putin on a random day. I think Sweeden will receive assistance by America should a physical attack occur because we like being a nice guy(TM) sucker for pain kinda country. It doesn't matter how much in debt we are, America is going white knight this crap and charge in to defeat the Soviet Union again.
ReplyDeleteThey can do what they want with their army. If they need more people in the military then they can who really cares. I do not personally know the relations between Sweden and the U.S but if we are good friends then sure. I do not see a reason why they would or why not. I have no background knowledge on the situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matthew Yan, Sweeden is doing good by reacting in fear from the russians. Sweden will get help from America.
ReplyDeleteI think the US will help Sweden if they get attacked because the US feels like they have an obligation to get in everyone's business.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is good for Sweden to reinstate the draft because they have a fear and if this makes them feel more protected then it is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this will effect the economy is a drastic way. Drafting people may hurt the work force, but because everything is just speculation, the economy is Sweden, Russia, and the US should be fine.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it won't impact the economy as much as one would think. If anything it would hurt the work force since people wouldn't be able to work as they would need to serve. Also Sweden already has a pretty solid economy, so not would take a lot to ruin it.
ReplyDeleteI dont think russia would do something like that because it would break the international laws that countries have with each other. America is going white knight this crap and charge in to defeat the Soviet Union again.
ReplyDeleteI think reinstating the draft is a good move by Sweden. They need to have some way to protect themselves, especially if they aren't getting as much outside support as they used to.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sweden should have some sort of draft especially since they need as much protection as they can
ReplyDeleteI agree with Oscar because they need a way to protect themselves especially they cannot do it themselves.
ReplyDeleteI think that it makes sense that they started the draft again. If they don't have the resources to protect themselves then they need to make sure that they do. I think that the US might but then it again we don't really know for sure yet where Trump stands with Sweden and Russia. I think that they might due to Putin being obsessed with reinstating the USSR.
ReplyDeleteI think this a good move for national protection on swedens behalf. Extra protection, starting a move shouldnt alarm others but make thing clear that sweden is not to be messed with.
ReplyDeleteI think that it was a good decision for sweden to reinstate the draft just as a precaution. I would think that the U.S. would help sweden in the case of an attack.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Josh Sanchez because the national protection on sweden's behalf will give extra protection.
ReplyDeleteThey did the right thing because they have to be more prepared and protected in case of sudden attack since its happening very often. they should be able to protect their own country and have strong resources.
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