DN Debate. "The time is now - tear up the DCA agreement with the USA"
The article argues for Sweden to abandon the DCA agreement with the USA due to rising unpredictability in US foreign policy and its potential threat to Swedish security.
In this opinion piece from Dagens Nyheter, Professor Emeritus Lars Ingelstam highlights the increasing unpredictability of the United States in matters of foreign policy, particularly with respect to its commitment to European security. He contends that Sweden's involvement in the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) is problematic, especially given the changing dynamics since the Russia-Ukraine war, which has shifted security landscapes in Europe significantly. The DCA agreement, which is two years old, is deemed by the author to pose potential threats to Sweden's national security as US interests in the region appear to be waning.
Ingelstam points to significant security events and forums, such as the NATO meeting in The Hague and the Munich Security Conference, illustrating that the US can no longer be viewed as a reliable leader for Europe’s defense. The author emphasizes the need for Sweden to reassess its strategic alliances and be proactive in determining actions before any changes in US administration, notably referencing Donald Trump’s controversial positions on foreign policy. This reflects a growing sentiment that Sweden should prioritize its own national interest and security over an uncertain agreement with the United States.
The article ultimately calls for urgent action on the part of Swedish policymakers, suggesting that the current geopolitical climate necessitates a reevaluation of the DCA agreement. With the US's reliability in question and the complex security situation evolving, Ingelstam urges a bold decision to cancel the DCA before further dependencies are solidified with a potentially unpredictable American administration.