Sweden's NATO accession ends era of go-it-alone security

FILE PHOTO: Swedish soldiers take part in the changing of the guard ceremony in the courtyard of the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, February 24, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Little/File Photo

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden's final hurdle to joining NATO was swept away on Monday after hold-out Hungary's ratification, ending 200 years during which Stockholm's military self-reliance helped it build a global brand as neutral peacemaker and human rights champion.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 left Swedes with a pivotal choice: join NATO or run the risk of standing alone against an increasingly aggressive near neighbour.