Finland applies to join NATO

[Jamiet99uk]

Is this a good idea for Finland?

Is it a good idea for NATO to accept their application?

How will Russia respond?

Does this increase or decrease global security?

Are we all going to die?

[Octavious]

Bloody stupid if you ask me. Finland is in the EU and as such covered by the EU's article 42 mutual defence clause, as well as the recent defence pact with the UK. There was zero chance of Putin invading prior to this announcement, and now Putin taking anti Finland action is a certainty (not military action, but various sanctions, cutting off energy etc).

A pointless provocation

[Jamiet99uk]

Bloody stupid if you ask me. Finland is in the EU and as such covered by the EU's article 42 mutual defence clause, as well as the recent defence pact with the UK. There was zero chance of Putin invading prior to this announcement, and now Putin taking anti Finland action is a certainty (not military action, but various sanctions, cutting off energy etc).

A pointless provocation

I am inclined to agree with you. As far as I can see it, this is a symbolic act which doesn't actually increase Finland's security in any practical way.

[Jamiet99uk]

It certainly seems a very big risk, just to make a symbolic gesture.

[worcej]

Is this a good idea for Finland?

Is it a good idea for NATO to accept their application?

How will Russia respond?

Does this increase or decrease global security?

Are we all going to die?

Arguably okay for Finland because it loops the US into protecting them.

At this point, why not? More members makes a stronger defensive alliance. Russia is the aggressor in this whole situation.

So far by cutting resources and I doubt they will push for a military engagement unless they really want to test the western world.

Increase imho

Yes.

[Octavious]

Finland joining will have no significant impact on the defensive capabilities of NATO. When Finland has joined NATO it will arguably be better defended, but frankly its current allies are more than adequate to the task of deterring any possible Russian ambitions.

The disadvantages are you anger your touchy neighbour who will retaliate by making your life as difficult as possible. You run the risk of being dragged into NATO foreign aggression projects such as Afghanistan or Serbia. And you have that awkward period between expressing a public desire to join and actually joining, which is what buggered up the lives of Georgia and Ukraine. Finland shouldn't have that problem because they have a good alliance network, but the success of that alliance network is what makes the entire NATO project unnecessary

[Randomizer]

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-envir ... -nato-bid/

Russia is cutting off electricity to Finland in retaliation. Easy way to put pressure without going military.