Geopolitics of Sweden

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BAKU - At the behest of the government in Stockholm, a 20-page brochure was sent to all households in Sweden in May 2018. The content of the pamphlet provides instructions to local citizens and what they can do in case of an armed conflict. To understand what Swedish policymakers are preparing for, we need to analyze the geopolitics of Sweden.
Soundtrack:
Dreams Become Real by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@CaspianReport]

Don’t feed the trolls. The cover of anonymity allows individuals to deliberately post inflammatory comments and messages to provoke, disrupt and upset others. These trolls may pretend to be part of the group, but their real intent is to create conflict for their own amusement. If a behaviour is rewarding, an individual is more likely to do it. But if they don’t receive that reward, then their motivation to engage in this behaviour will likely diminish. So, deny them the pleasure of an angry response.

[@TWE_2000]

CaspianReport Shirvan you should do a review of the book "THE WORLD WAS GOING OUR WAY: THE KGB AND THE BATTLE FOR THE THIRD WORLD" using secrets from THE MITROKHIN ARCHIVE and authored by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin, authors of The Sword and the Shield.

[@flicmydik]

You're a hypocrite shirvan. Silencing opposition in the name of troll-control not only reminiscent of a police-state policy (ussr, I'm sure it's affect is profound in your country today), but it legitimizes that very opposition. I'm sure you have to tow the party line in order to keep your channel successful (thanks KZbin) so I can't blame you too much, but it is very disheartening to see you try to censor discussion between two sides. It's shameful.

[@MarkMcAllister-ni9sf]

CasRep...don't feed the censors, by allowing them to call those they disagree with trolls. Proper trolls will always happen because freedom and internet providing physical safety allows for trolling. You cannot stop trolls...but those who accuse others of being trolls, can stop normal honest dialog...not unlike how people use the label of NAZI to stop debate.

[@kenoc3756]

Great video! Could you do one on Finland next?

[@griotolu7040]

Exactly! but everyone remember there are many of us who watch CR religiously but seldom comment & find the vitriol that can be in the comments idiotic. As usual Shirvan, thank you for helping us understand the world a little clearer.

[@GayForLenin]

Norrland being inhospitable? PFFFH that's fjollträsk talk

[@_loss_]

Import dependent. Pretty sure you wouldn't want to live off fermented and dried fresh water fish for half the year

[@Zeen__]

Jävla fjollor bara ät träden, funkar för mig varje gång

[@Karavolos]

@@Zeen__ Translation: "Fucking sissies just eat the trees, works for me everytime."

[@Antozzz]

Yeah thats extremely exaggerated! Pictured empty lands without any meaningful infrastructure, only reachable by sea. Couldn't be further from the truth😅

[@louisecorchevolle9241]

@@Zeen__ Jokkmok is fine in January

[@tapanilofving4741]

Swedes have always fought till the last Finn.

[@jooasalmi730]

Tapani Löfving Well said!

[@user-od8eq8bd1g]

Can't argue with that xD

[@DaDunge]

Tapani Löfving they were some of our finest soldier yes.

[@TheUmaker]

You can certainly Argue with that . The ”Finns” Did not have a larger role in the military compared to ”Swedes” (Finns were thought of as swedish citizens so saying finns and Swedes is a bit weird but still) The Finns were unfortunatly effected alot by swedish expansion eastwards and wars with russia and Poland-Lithuania. This meant that the Finnish countryside and land were effected by these wars to a lager extent than the swedish ”heartland” but there is nothing that would indicate that the actual Army of Sweden was comprised mostly by finns or with a reliance on fins. This Notion of a finnish overrepresentation in the Army seems to come from the famous hakkapelita regiment which were ”elite” finnish cavalry that would yell hakkapelitta as they charges. Seeing as how the finnish population is and was quite a bit smaller than the swedish one could draw the conclusion that the army would be comprised mostly of ”Swedes”

[@user-od8eq8bd1g]

.. I'm pretty sure the joke was mostly about how Sweden stayed 'neutral' throughout the war while the finns fought Russia, hence 'fight to the last fin'

[@gurgelurk]

"Oslo has never presented a risk to the interests of Stockholm. Denmark, meanwhile, sits by the Skagerrak strait, and blocks Sweden from expanding into the North Sea. Historically, this forced the Swedes to look east." Whether we speak of early-modern times (15th to 19th centuries), 20th or 21st century, these statements are blatantly wrong. Sweden and Denmark fought thirteen wars between 1468 to 1814, most of them won by Sweden, which drove Denmark out of the Scandinavian peninsula, step by step, and gave Sweden access to the Atlantic. In contrast to Finland and Estonia (which fly their own flags today), the previously Danish/Norwegian provinces (such as Skåne or Jämtland) have become fully integrated parts of Sweden. Norway was a Danish province until 1814, when they saw a few months of independence before Sweden forced them into the Swedish-Norwegian union which lasted until 1905. Since that year, Sweden, Norway and Denmark have never been in direct conflict against each other. Instead, the threat has come from outside; from Germany or Russia. Even though the Nordic countries have taken different geopolitical paths (each with different experiences of World War II, and relationships to EU and Nato), they are more integrated than ever. Around ten percent of Oslo's population is Swedish. 14.000 Swedes cross the Öresund bridge every morning to commute to work in Denmark. The largest minority language in Sweden and Finland is Finnish and Swedish, respectively. Rivalry between the Nordic peoples is essentially limited to bar brawls and football games.

[@potatosvideomapping5659]

I was looking for this comment as i also found his statement a bit weird. My other grain of salt was the first part "Oslo has never presented a risk to the interests of Stockholm" when in reality Sweden and Norway fought eight wars in the years prior to the Kalmar Union, (1000, 1015-1018, 1064, 1097-1101, 1123, 1225, 1304-1310, 1363-1371) often changing the hands of Västergötland, Dalsland & Värmland, even besieging Stockholm in 1371. Otherwise im curious about "Around ten percent of Oslo's population is Swedish" part, the Oslo municipality site states only 12 523 out of 673 469 citizens are Swedish which is 1.86%. Your argument still is very much valid though considering Swedes, alongside Poles, are the biggest immigrant groups in Norway.

[@johnsaetre7071]

@@potatosvideomapping5659The reason for besieging Stockholm in 1371 seems to be solely to free the King of Norway's father, who was imprisoned there. When mentioning years way before the Swedish state, really Viking age, it is difficult to talk about nationalities, at least for swedes. Some of this 'wars' were little more than border disputes, and they have not made a great impact in history. A few have been severe with largescale battles taking place. It is hard to believe that a civil war or a throne war, wouldn't drag in neighbouring countries in the conflict. And when talking about 'around ten percent of Oslo's population is Swedish', it is totally true. The statistics show Swedish people with Swedish passports residing in Oslo. It doesn't take any consideration to how easy it is to get Norwegian citizenship when in mixed marriages and working for long time in Norway. For example the second largest Norwegian city was for a good time Sweden's Göteborg, after WWII, when many Norwegians came to settle there. After a some years these people vanish in the statistics when gaining Swedish citizenship.

[@businessoutsider5277]

You are wrong man. The second largest minority language in sweden is arabic. Please dont spread misinformation.

[@LeterPerman]

@@businessoutsider5277 1. No it is Finnish, check your facts. 2. Arabic is not a minority minorityrights.org/country/sweden/

[@Yaratoma]

@Mr. P. Enis I see it is already integrating into København 😁

[@yourelawyered]

As a Swede, I congratulate you on this fine video. Although simplified at time, which is of course necessary when summarizing a country’s geopolitics, you managed to find the main geopolitical challenges of Swedish policy makers and elaborate upon most of them in interesting ways. Good job! A tip for coming videos: It would sometimes be easier to follow and facilitate recollection if you put some text into your videos.

[@fabioshire97]

yourelawyered Can I ask you if Sweden intends to enter NATO?

[@CyaberShark]

It´s been a heated debate for a while now. Social democrats and sweden democrats are the two strong oponents of it, untill one of those budge you will not se a swedish entry into NATO. The social democrats (The largest proponent to the neutral foreign policy since the second world war.) might give in soon tough, their gradual change on the topic is the reason we now have the host nation agreement etc. The reason for this change is quite complex tough, you can look into it if you want. I personaly belive that we will se a sweidsh entry in the coming years if no major political changes hapens, the swedish democrats (populist and isolationist party) is growing at an alarming rate and might hinder further swedish co-operation. this is not likely tough.

[@Sjilaj]

Well, i guess it depends on who wins the election in september. The left-wing "Red-Green" (Rödgröna) bloc (consisting of the Social Democrats (Socialdemokraterna/S), the Green party (Miljöpartiet/M) and the Left party (Vänsterpartiet/V), with the Social Democrats and the Green party currently in government), together with the Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna/SD, nationalist/social conservative, only party in parliament which is not a member of either bloc) oppose joining NATO, while the right-wing "The Alliance" (Alliansen) bloc (consisting of the Moderate Party (Moderaterna/M), the Centre Party (Centerpartiet/C), "the Liberals" (Liberalerna/L, previously Folkpartiet/The Peoples Party) and the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokratern/KD) support NATO-membership. There does seem to be substantial support for NATO-membership among SD-voters though. Anyways, it's by no means a settled issue, even if i personally feel like we are slowly moving towards NATO-membership.

[@Sjilaj]

Sverion Ruzz: Det finns ett ganska utbrett stöd för NATO-medlemskap, långt ifrån "virtually no support" i alla fall.

[@thesljivo4101]

yourelawyered I totally agree. Most Swedes I know cannot give as simple and practical explanation as he did.

[@t3hb0ss]

Swedish Geopolitics: *let me tell you about russia*

[@dimitriosfromgreece4227]

Lol🤣❤❤

[@user-dc2hs9lt2m]

Russian Geopolitics in 1809: Can I into nordic?

[@rmux1711]

Russia can still destroy Sweden tho

[@volcryndarkstar3283]

Well mitigating the threat of Russia is Sweden's main geostrategic objective so... Yeah.

[@thonnytrombonni1676]

@@rmux1711 if putin did so, the rest of the world can still destroy Russia tho

[@MrReedling]

Wtf no. You can live everywhere in sweden its not antarctica

[@allanshamseddin5473]

ah jag blev också förvånad, fan snackar han om haha

[@alvinwestmanholm1858]

Yeah nowhere in sweden is inhabitable, but living in Norrland is very solitary

[@johber9450]

@@alvinwestmanholm1858 northland is half of sweden..

[@laurentdrozin812]

Well, that depends on what you mean by "live".

[@asalal0398]

@@alvinwestmanholm1858 do you mean "norrbotten"?

[@mrasheed8655]

As an English-second-language speaker, I admire your choice of vocabulary..

[@jensjensen9035]

M Jordan I don’t because normal to use different word

[@rawstarmusic]

We are all second englisher.

[@nathanmontgomery7865]

As an English-first-language speaker, I admire his choice of vocabulary.

[@ivanp1716]

As a Russian-first-language speaker, I admire your choice of our foreign policy..

[@Volatile-Tortoise]

@Ivan P Oh ouch

[@Superslemmet]

A point of correction. Finland wasn't just part of the Swedish Empire, it was as much a part of Sweden as Norrland is now. Swedes have lived along the western coast of Finland since like forever, and Fins have lived in Norrland (basically the area north of Skellefteå was Finnish/Sami-speaking historically) for a really long time too. Sure, most of Norrland were more or less forced to speak Swedish, which is still clearly heard in for example the dialects around Gällivare, where people speak Swedish but large parts of the phonetics uses finno-ugric melody and pronunciation. It's not an issue of nationalism (I'm half-n-half, and live in Umeå), but it just makes me sad when people say Finland was simply a part of the Swedish Empire. As if it was just some form of occupied land or something. With how easy it was to travel by boat back in the day, and how hard it was to travel by land, the coastal areas of Finland are much closer to Stockholm than Gothenburg or Malmö was, and even closer than the northern parts of Norrland. Really, the southernmost parts of Sweden are in some ways more Danish than Swedish, and the western parts of Finland are more Swedish than Finnish. On the other hand, the Swedish-Finnish border is the most peaceful national border in history, since we have never been at war, so I guess it's a minor issue.

[@SamuliGloersen]

This is very true. Skåne, Blekinge, Halland face Danmarka nd are geopolitically connected to Danmark. Only Danish weakness and improved land connections and Swedish power have turned them towards Stockholm. And on the otherhand Finnish coast has always faced Stockholm. The Mälaren basin, continues all the wa acrross to Åland and Åbo archipelagos and Satakunda and Tavastia, or Kokemäki basin in land, and Gulf of Bothnia + rivers, east and west sides. Proper Swedish heartland of the empire extends across the Baltic sea. What was left after 1809 wasn't really the whole core of Sweden, but half of it.

[@yelsavidaravskaja905]

Per Holmgren Yeah, I hate when people say Finland was an ’occupied territory.’ It basically erases our history and makes idiotic foreigners claim that the Finnish Nobility were Swedes and not Finns. This also makes uneducated Swedes who have heard this talk on the internet think the same. This causes them to steal our historical figures for themselves, people such as: Klaus Fleming, Akseli Kurki, Juho Maununpoika, etc

[@honda6353]

Per Holmgren And Småland has always been sorta independent.

[@Superslemmet]

I know this is a touchy subject in Finland today in regards to nationalism and Swedish-Finnish relations, but my reasoning can basically be explained by this map. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden%E2%80%93Finland The pale green areas are basically the four landscapes of "historical Sweden", Götaland, Svealand, Norrland and Finland (though the map says Österland). The majority spoke Swedish in Svealand and Götaland, a mix in Norrland and the majority spoke Finnish in Finland. As you said, most Finnish nobility were actually Finnish, though Swedish was generally the language used amongst the nobility. It wasn't like the peasants in Finland were treated worse than those in Götaland, or that the nobles from Finland were not welcome at the court or something like that. Sweden even founded its second university in Finland, and spend a lot of resources building defences against the Russians in Finland. Finland was not an ignored backwater territory of Sweden, it was a central part of the identity and power structure of the kingdom until it was lost in 1809.

[@SamuliGloersen]

Unfortunately quite incoherrent since how can a swede steal Klaus Fleming, Akseli Kurki, Juho Maununpoika since they all were as swedish as all Finns today. The problem is the anacronism from todays so-called-Sweden and so-called-Finland which are both creations of 1809 when - helps to understand - we should understand old Sweden proper ceased to exist. In it's place we have two Swedens. The other one named Finland for some goegraphical reason.

[@gurgelurk]

"Most Swedish towns in Norrland are situated by the shore, and rely on maritime trade for their basic necessities" False, as they all have highways, and most of them have railways. While the statement was true until the early 20th century, and many of the export commodities (forestry and mineral products) leave the country by ship, most of the food and other consumer products today come to Norrland overland.

[@eouzcuemarz3114]

ger du If railroads is of no use during winter do you think the sea wont freeze also? and besides don't they have airfields to operate in there?

[@gurgelurk]

There are occasional delays due to severe weather, but northern Sweden has scheduled rail transportation 12 months a year.

[@pavlebozovic581]

Shirvan is getting worse and worse, just spewing unchecked shit

[@StJiub-lc4eb]

wait why isn't this comment about immigration

[@benghazi3754]

"the railways dont operate that much in winter time" I burst out laughing at that!

[@iainbreen7835]

As a swede, I admire your knowledge and the research you must have done to put this video together.

[@slownecks7763]

Form a Nordic Union, best of regards from Norway:)

[@coronavirusokboomer9537]

Almost impossible

[@lurda8826]

Thanks, brother! I wish we lived in a democratic country, then the vote would come up to unite our countries, and maybe, every country in Scandinavia would be more like a State. And if we were a democratic country the invasion of economic migrants wouldn't be a problem if we all could vote. Like in Switzerland, the most democratic country in the world. I'm from Sweden by the way, we get a lot of shit for what the state does, but what can we do? I have been saying for 10 years we have to fucking erase the government and put a new one in. But all I hear, it's impossible blablabla. And the people who vote for the same parties that sit in en the state I don't understand! Vote for something new, that's not in the state, but people are ssoooo fucking brainwashed here.

[@slownecks7763]

Odin yes its’s the same here: the politicians get nowhere always lying and cheating. There is no real change, we had diffrent coalition governments but they are equally shit... we need a real change

[@sdprz7893]

@@slownecks7763 I thought Norway was perfect?

[@jj23028]

Odin Gustav Vasa is not proud of you

[@PMMagro]

As a Swede I must say you have done very good research for this one. We have really good neighbours and have enjoyed peace for long time. Lucky us.

[@niilohiltunen1716]

hälsningar åt dig från helsingfors, finland! (hoppas att jag skrev det rätt eftersom jag lärde mig det i skolan :))

[@simonxd4196]

Niilo Hiltunen you wrote it right :))))

[@niilohiltunen1716]

No name idea häftigt!

[@chrisclark719]

Yeah lucky you. Don't forget how cowardly Sweedon was in WW1 & WW2. You willingly traded and collabarated with the Nazis. Quite shameful really.

[@jonatanholmsten3832]

@@chrisclark719 why do you think sweden and germany are or where taking in the most refugees

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

In many ways Sweden's geopolitical needs have not changed much at all since what we call "Stormaktstiden" (The time of great power). It's still Finland, Baltic trade and Russia. In the past we have gone to war many times to grab as big a piece of the baltic trade as possible, we took great steps to break the power of the hanseatic league for that purpose. Interestingly enough the very word "Ryssen" (The russian/s) still has a *very* negative tone and carries a sort of collective cultural fear behind it, even though we havn't been at war for over 200 years (in some cases bad winters are described as "a russian winter" in news to add an extra negative punch, there are other instances of this as well).Furthermore "Ryssen kommer" (The russians are coming) is a sort of scary "boogey-man"-term that has survived the test of time as well. If the US or NATO makes a move in Europe it's not really thought of as badly, but if the RUSSIANS rattle their weapons or make some posturing it kicks up a media circus like nothing else can in Sweden. :P Just some tidbits of information i thought might interest you!

[@ElucarioYEAH]

Mr BigCookie RYSSEN KOMMER

[@fanbuoy9234]

Well to be fair, adding "Russian" before weather (warm and cold) has more to do with the fact that they have some pretty extreme weather and that when we get those extremes it's mostly caused by weather coming in from Russia. But yes, we do have a very established cautiousness toward Russia. But that's natural, seeing as how they've pretty much been our only notable threat over the past 300 years or so, even in times of peace.

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

That's true, good point.

[@xXxSkyViperxXx]

meanwhile im sitting in the tropical far far away from europe without a care at all in any historical period that has anything to do with russians hehehehe

[@FitzroyLOL]

Olga Petukhova of course people would want to work with you! I'm a swede, studying Russian in Stockholm. Maybe we could help each other out?

[@moradator]

You should do a geopolitics of-video about Finland

[@erlich85]

whats the diffrence?

[@moradator]

Jože Ws Exactly, Finnish dependance on russian natural resources and trade, previous russian military aggressions against Finland, russian military preparations along the Finnish border and so on make the situation different from Sweden. Finland has for decades been in a very fragile state between first the USSR and west and now between russia and west. Finland remained independet through the cold war because of its role as a mediator between the east and west keeping warm relations with both sides through diplomacy. That still holds up as Finlands strategy which becomes evident with the soon beginning talks between the USA and russia held in Helsinki. Finlands and swedens geopolitics are fundamentally different mainly caused by the respective countries relations with russia

[@ManOfAnswers]

whats a finland

[@moradator]

Man Of Answers a swedish car manufacturer based in Sweden

[@moradator]

rigegs Good comment, now that i think about it they are, for the most part quite similiar. The dynamic between russia and Finland are however different, as is its history with russia, when compared with Sweden. A video on that topic would probably be quite similiar to this, but still cool to see.

[@rustoo3823]

Another gem from Shrivan and the CaspianReport team!

[@tanmay9496]

as usual good analysis a lot to learn from it congratulations

[@D3adtrap]

Finland next?

[@yelsavidaravskaja905]

D3adtrap Finland, Estonia, Karelia and Vepsia - Geopolitics of the Baltic-Finnic Republics. Maybe some mentions of our ancient kingdoms like Ancient Tavastia, Kvenland and Bjarmia.

[@viktorpetukhov727]

@@yelsavidaravskaja905 It's different because Russia is more agressive with Baltic republics than with Finland. Russia respects Finnish independent politics

[@user-ii6ly4br7s]

​@@viktorpetukhov727 I think Estonia and Finland need to reunite with their brothers Vepsia and Karelia. Under the Russian government.

[@johnthefinn]

@@user-ii6ly4br7s You've tried that and gotten a bloody nose.

[@brianjonker510]

I have watched a few episodes from Caspian report. The breadth of your topics is stunning and seems to come with a real understanding for the local issues

[@johnjosmith42]

Fascinating. Extremely well made mini doc, too. Thanks for posting.

[@TWE_2000]

CaspianReport with the new report that Trump was considering an invasion of Venezuela last year, can you make a video updating us on the crisis in Venezuela and how other countries in the region might respond (such as Colombia with their new president) and their potential consequences.

[@raaaaaaaaaam496]

T WE wait what

[@0MVR_0]

There isn't much of a crisis in Venezuela, that idea is mostly an artifact of American media

[@retiredshitposter1062]

Omar - give your head a shake. Make sure there's somethign still in there you moron.

[@0MVR_0]

I'm surprised I've been given such advise from someone who calls themself 'Echo Chamber Infiltrator'. What I've said is largely true, its just difficult for American media to go beyond the State Department talking points

[@supportervandeeuropeseunie1625]

T WE I know Colombia is testing a new sort of carpet bomb in which an army of rolling cloned Neymars are dropped out of their bombers.

[@TWE_2000]

Shirvan you should do a review of the book "THE WORLD WAS GOING OUR WAY: THE KGB AND THE BATTLE FOR THE THIRD WORLD" using secrets from THE MITROKHIN ARCHIVE and authored by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin, authors of The Sword and the Shield.

[@gnolan4281]

Excellent report. I especially like the constant presence of the map of the region as observed from different angles. This was truly informative. Thank you.

[@prazail]

Great analysis. The depth with which you engage in such a breadth of regions is very impressive.

[@docslastname2711]

Does anyone play eu4?

[@fabulouscat3911]

yes

[@TheAztecGamer123]

Khadar Knowledge yes

[@asfdghkjxzcvnbm2580]

Hoi

[@Hanekin]

Yes

[@docslastname2711]

Dread Csgo hoi is for idiots it has no skill to it

[@The_NSeven]

I don't know why, but I kinda like the creepy background music

[@TheHydroXo]

Thanks for doing this great research and reporting it in such a clear, concise way! This channel is truly an asset to anyone who wants to know more about International Relations!

[@kennethhall6903]

This is great information it really helps to expand my knowledge of the world. Thanks!

[@dainironfoot5198]

11pm: "One more video and i'll go to bed" 3am:

[@ThatDudeFromFinland]

When will we get geopolitics of Finland? Pretty please :)

[@filipe5722]

Just discovery your channel and I've being watching some videos. Very good analysis in general, congrats.

[@JMM33RanMA]

This geopolitical report is just as good on second viewing. Keep up the good work.

[@SuperLusername]

The saddest thing in the world for me is looking east of Danzig and seeing a city called "Kaliningrad" and thinking of the times when Preussens Gloria meant something.

[@SuperLusername]

KONIGSBERG goddammit!

[@SuperLusername]

Eiternde Hämorrhoiden yeah I dont have that letter as I'm not german. I care, I'm a history nerd and Prussia is dear to my heart although I'm not sure why. History is cruel sadly. According to "historians" from a neighbouring country of mine, my nation doesnt even exist. But FIFA recognizes us and thats most important.

[@PoweredByLS2]

Eiternde Hämorrhoiden Wow. You Germans sure hate yourselves! Why would you not want your ancestral homeland back?

[@alex_gaimar]

Well, I am surprised you fail to see Gdańsk while you can see Kaliningrad.

[@hasimahmetabdulbakibugrauc6268]

Evilsamar macedonian?

[@10thAngel]

"Soon after acquireing Finland" Basically for 600-700 years, than in 1809 Sweden lost Finland.

[@JohnOlimb]

To be honest, there was no state of Finland to be invaded. There was a population of course, but it had more of a tribe and clan system, with no central power. And Swedish speaking people were of course living on the Åland Islands and the closest shore in Finland. Finland-Sweden was became one unity. The Swedish state emerged at this time, as the last state to be settled in the Nordic countries. Denmark first, Norway after this, and finally Sweden got their monarchy.

[@samuelrs5138]

It sounds like Sweden should annex Finland

[@karl-erikmumler9820]

@@samuelrs5138 As a Swede it currently feels like I'd prefer if they annexed us. They're handling both their military and corona much better than us.

[@asiftalpur3758]

@@karl-erikmumler9820 don't undersell yourself. Sweden is widely respected in the world in every sector. Finland isn't mentioned a lot.

[@hyljix]

@@asiftalpur3758 probably because the finnish population is half of what it could be if it hadn't been a battleground for sweden.

[@vijoypresanna]

very nice and comprehensive content. The quality of your content is also nice.subscribing immediately

[@pellman87]

Damn, great video, spot on. Good research

[@fabioshire97]

EU geopolitics in case of US exit from NATO.

[@10hawell]

Fuck old EU if they want play with Russia, create new NATO with US.

[@Benamon9]

fabioshire97 US exit NATO hahaha soooo pretty much suicide?

[@jascrandom9855]

-Contain and Eradicate Russian Influence in eastern Europe. -Bolster Military and Politcal integration. -Seek the economic and political stabilization of the Middle east and Africa in order to control migration from those regions and bolster their potential as commercial partners.

[@mrbrainbob5320]

ScarletDespair America doesnt have an empire and the US doesnt really benefit from NATO Europe does.

[@1jomojo]

Guess they will split up then too Why would a Spanish man die in a war over Poland in Estonia ? For a EU that is on its last legs ? Russia would be VERY likely to move in that case (they will run out of man in 30-50 years with there current demography, if they want to move, they HAVE to move now) Guess there will be a new easternblock to fight russia, and ,maybe German and British involvement. The Brexit has not stopped Britans ambition to stop any major power in Europe to be the next big navel power -so a new UdSSR like state will be fought anyway. There is also a powerstruggel between germany and france over the lead of the EU. A reamarching German army - could lead to tensions with france and poland (painful memories for all 3). This could bring an US involment - but remember they are about to leave the global stage (as it seems by now) - so no direct involvement i guess. Consider also the fact that a war in the zones around Poland and Ukraine will likely destroy ALL the major pipeline into Europe. This will be a problem for all southern EU states (Nothern actually got plans for that, Nuclearpowerplants + Oil from the brits to supply the army). But there could be a new search for Oil for those not involved in the war. The book "The absent Superpower" by Peter Zeihan kind of lays out this scenario.

[@konfunable]

Do the geopolitics of Lithuania!

[@terrybuchanan1]

second that

[@dxc3b2a26]

Ohhh the 7 people that live there will be so happy!

[@cyberblunt]

I like you CaspianReport; always have. Your commercials are better than most.

[@fifthofascalante7311]

Geopolitics of the Russian Baltic Front AKA Swedland. Love this series. Please don’t stop pumping these out. The world is too big and interesting to be drip fed only sensationalism, local national news, or superficial news regarding the US. You make politics extremely engaging and fascinating.

[@Kameeho]

Scandinavia has pretty close relations. Even if sweden is not part of nato. Norway is. And any attack on sweden would be an attack on Norway. Even if the politicians were to try avoid getting into the fight, the populace would support in defending sweden. Due to the already very close connection Norway has with Sweden. And if Norway gets dragged in being a major contributor and founders of Nato. Nato would get dragged into the conflict aswell. You have to remember there is pretty much open borders between norway and sweden. Alot of swedes work in Norway. And alot of Norwegian rely on goods coming through or from Sweden. And a fair portion of Norwegians has residency in sweden. I highly doubt Norway would sit and watch sweden getting invaded.

[@Kameeho]

kanin hodet no they have no official defensive pacts. However they do have an agreement of taking in technically unlimited refugees if one of them should be attacked. But any attack on swedish soil. Considering sweden being a neutral country would strongly indicate a very aggresive encroachment towards norwegian borders which would leave Norwar seeing it as no other option but to assist sweden.

[@NotHPotter]

Does the overall increase in militarization and military spending that appears to have become a theme of these videos ever worry you? What do you consider the likelihood of an armed conflict between major militaries in the next ten years?

[@retiredshitposter1062]

when your countries welfare state is overwhelmed and you're on the brink - you go to war. it happens all the time in history. sweden is paying $400,000 USD per migrant and $35,000 on average for a deportation. the politicians destroyed a once great country. they have an election coming up, if they don't vote well.. it's game over.

[@kostam.1113]

War is perfect way of decreasing population that is unhappy it's like a pressure vent. Only problem today is that war will never happen.

[@Daniel-pg9qh]

Kosta M. Wtf is wrong with you

[@kostam.1113]

Daniël It's just common sense. Constant fearmongering in Sweden about some nonexistent Russian threat is designed to divert public opinion from more important problems.

[@Daniel-pg9qh]

Kosta M. That doesn't have anything to do with what you just said.

[@AnRovik]

Wow, revelations! I learned so much watching this. Very interesting video!

[@johnphilipashton]

Excellent analysis. Thanks from Sweden!

[@vktrlndwll95]

As a matter of fact, this very year we had a huge breach in cyber security when one of our outsourced databanks became under foreign threat. Almost cost us our government.

[@AnonyMous-ql9nj]

This is completely false and so incredibly stupid i cant even understand why someone would type this out.

[@SuperLusername]

Related to Sweden having most of the trade with EU... Accidentally, today I saw a map of continental intertrade - percentage of trade continent does with itself or rather, countries on the same continent do trade among themselves. Interestingly Europe (not just EU although I believe EU has a huge impact on this) is "leading" BY FAR. Roughly the numbers were: Europe - 74% Asia - 54% N.America - 51% S. America - iirc +- 25% Africa - 14%

[@aaronesparsen7589]

As much as I enjoy the progress Caspian Report has made, I truly miss this era of videos.

[@DG-nz8jf]

Great comprehensive video, Thanks!

[@Tarik360]

FÖR SVERIGE I TIDEN. CASPIAN UPLOADED ABOUT SWEDEN!

[@bjarke7886]

Laughs in danish

[@evilleader1991]

Nods in Norwegian

[@Intedujag]

lol och knugens av alla

[@jooasalmi730]

Remains silent in Finnish.

[@callsignsoviet978]

Annexes in Russian

[@FoggySwe]

0:37 70% of the country is inhospitable? I'll stop right there thank you.

[@FoggySwe]

@Gabriel I know it very well 1. (of an environment) harsh and difficult to live in. 2. (of a person) unfriendly and unwelcoming towards people.

[@JeffGoesGlobal]

Greetings from Brazil! Nice video ;)

[@BuzzSargent]

Thanks for the great report. It was well done and helps one to understand how these borders and issues are important. Happy Trails

[@tuts351]

Poor Sweden. They don't want beef with anyone but still get it

[@casperl8408]

Hacking tutorials Can't countries just let us enjoy our high quality standard of life?

[@casperl8408]

Valhalla or Bust I meant that has in we dont want to have immagration problems and russia fucking with us. Not that i dont want people to raise awareness about the problems we do have. Trust me though. almost every politcal party wants to decrease immagration the question is rather how much. So we will fix this

[@thed4nksta683]

Valhalla or Bust you don’t know shit about what’s actually going on in Sweden. It’s like you’re making up reasons and excuses to see Sweden as an enemy. You’re describing Sweden as a shithole with problems in every area of society, when it’s one of the most developed countries in the world

[@karl-erikmumler9820]

Historically we were the ones attacking other people though.

[@ianmackenzie686]

I don't think nato surrounded waters are hostile or would pose any threat to legal, peaceful and legitimate russian commercial shipping. Putin's game playing with naval ships and aircraft are a different matter.

[@Aandersson001]

Very informative video! Thank you :)

[@stevejones7140]

Thank you for that, very informative

[@aggese]

During the cold war it would have been considered a success if sweden managed to hold gotland for two weeks if soviet invaded

[@HxH2011DRA]

Coincidentally I'm eating some fish flavored Oreos

[@stephj9378]

lol

[@arnoldshmitt4969]

hahaha nice one

[@CautionCU]

grous

[@aussieboy4090]

that sounds a bit fishy ;-)

[@olympia5758]

Ew wtf?

[@mestor123]

Thank you for this episode Shirwan, you managed to include all crucial parts of our geopolitical situation. There's not much news in Sweden about military aggression from Russia except from the occasional aerospace transgressions happening. There's also not much talk about this on a political level, even though we're closing up to an election soon. There's more news about the local situation with social economy, how we should proceed with the police force, as well as the immigration issue. It'll be interesting to see how this proceeds. Keep up the good work!

[@axelkeithgranath]

13:18 Swiss railroad timeboard ;) great snd insightfull video none-the-less!

[@nicolasaudra8709]

SWEDEN YES.

[@emperoratlant6416]

Do geopolitics of Serbia

[@filipvonzagora]

Emperor Atlant Very interesting idea!

[@UltraGaivalas]

Serbia Strong!

[@LoLMasterManiac]

What geopolitics has Serbia? Getting back Kosovo?

[@filipvonzagora]

Joining the EU or keeping its alliance w/ Russia - Recognizing the independence of Kosovo or claiming the north where Serbs are the majority - Solving the issue with "Republika Srpska" by either annexing it or find another solution - etc., you get the point - there's a lot to talk about.

[@igorjajic6898]

filip east serbia / siribiria , centrall serbia/ serbian luisitania and prussland and north serbia -sweeden seems you have to expend your knolwige beyond cia aproved wikipaidia,....we will cleans nazi nato isis talmudic trash from the face of the world

[@YeeeeGreg]

Great video man per usual

[@benpollard7256]

Swedens military products have always fascinated me. The CV90, jas-39, strv 103, and the Ak5 are really cool.

[@docslastname2711]

Once the lion of Europe is now the unicorn of Europe.

[@samsom4122]

when was it the lion of europa? other than the rain of Gustavus Adolphus.

[@marcvsahlal-khatwa5460]

Pose a question then give the answer yourself. You’re some special kind of stupid aren’t you?

[@TheAztecGamer123]

sam som Europe* Reign*

[@kimmogensen4888]

Once a vassal of Denmark, then a lion, now a humanist superpower, Putin is afraid of humanist superpowers, Denmark is almost as bad, 1.2% bnp one defense

[@mrbrainbob5320]

kim mogensen humanist Superpower? Thats not a thing.

[@sebastiankumlin9542]

Good analysis

[@sebastiankumlin9542]

Eh.. hej hej...

[@alfredjarl4183]

I ben wating for this video so long!

[@ertix111aqw4]

Thx för this video plz do more. I learn so much

[@erikhemmila81]

Great video! As a Swedish citizen I congratulate this video. Good explaining. Before this I wasn't aware of this pickle my country has been in for all these years. Mainly because of me being underage. Although now I've become interested in geopolictics. I'd love to see Sweden joining NATO due to it's current uselessness in it's military, but I'd like to see Gotland being of complete Swedish rule as it's an outstanding asset for military use and I wouldn't put complete trust in neither NATO or Russia because of their beef that they've had. If gotland would be in either of their hands they would've taken irresponsable, agressive actions wich would be detramental for world peace.

[@Roky1989]

I'd love to see a video how the EU as an institution and also a community of member states navigates the geopolitical interests of its member states.

[@aleeshafreeman8380]

Nice vids!! You have a new sub!

[@douglasmorth5661]

Your research is just on point. Especially when it comes to the history of Swedens security policy.

[@Sebastianek1990]

As a Pole will say only this: WE SHOULD ALWAYS ALLY SWEDEN OR DENMARK (or both)!

[@Saral451]

Sweden was in a very unique position after WWII. It was the only country on the European continent that wasn't touched by the war. All the cities and factories were intact when the rest of Europe was in ruins. In this kind of situation the only thing that limits economic growth is the availability of workers. That's why they started taking in so many immigrants.

[@temperateortropical161]

Saral451 : That'd apply from 1945-'85 & involved culturally compatible immigrants who worked & paid taxes then.

[@temperateortropical161]

ger du : Sweden could've taken "refugees" much closer to home; educated people willing & able to work. So could've Germany, etc.

[@temperateortropical161]

g d: You're not in Europe if you don't realise which nationalities far closer to Sweden would be working there for years if so permitted. From far closer than the Balkans & forget the Turks; look at the 3rd generation in Germany.

[@temperateortropical161]

Not only Baltics; a mixture from the extended region. Anyway it's not going to happen; western governments want only non European immigration because its purpose is the destruction of nation states. European applicants anywhere are far less successful. Res ipsa loquitur means The Facts Speak For Themselves.

[@the55squad]

Saral451 and they decided to destroy their traditional cities and towns to rebuild then in the new modern styles that the countries that had their cities destroyed in ww2 were building them for fear of missing out! What a shame

[@FridayNightFilmsCA]

Looking forward to a video on Canada, I think you're perspective on the geography and history would be very interesting. And the current conflict with the US is intriguing.

[@cliftontorrence839]

Wonderful reporting, well done.

[@user-kq6xb9zq3u]

Geopolitics of *Insert any European Country* : R-U-S-S-I-A what a meme

[@enlightedenlightment1065]

The Geopolitics of South Africa!!!

[@peterolofsson9871]

Interesting to see an analysis on your own country. A bit simplistic but still on point. Thank you.

[@icreatedanaccountforthis1852]

Thanks for a very interesting video.

[@dimix2199]

I can imagine ,that these videos take time, and honestly I haven't even watched this one yet but.....I would absolutely love one of these to be done about the Netherlands

[@kupertjerobin]

The Netherlands interests are in the European union and NATO as it gives us a really big buffer and stability while we can keep and eye open for Russia with submarines and cyberespionage.

[@KamiRecca]

i just want to point out a detail: The most common violations of swedish airforce is made by the USA and NATO, not Russia. Nobody talks about this though.

[@meganh9460]

You tend to care more about the neighbors that you have fought with.

[@OverengineeredRock]

Source?

[@KamiRecca]

@@OverengineeredRock svt, aftonbladet, swedish government and so forth. Its no secret, nobody just talks about it. But spot a rock in a lake? Might be russian submarine

[@OverengineeredRock]

KamiRecca well, it is interesting to hear as a Norwegian. We also experience a lot of russian activity at our airspace borders. Norway and Sweden are very much brother nations, but since Norway is a member of NATO, our perspectives might be a bit different.

[@habib97se]

Very informative video, thanks for it

[@mgntstr]

This pamphlet boiled down to: You're on your own.

[@neildoerdan2298]

You forgot the mention the trolls up in Norland. Watch the Documentary 'Troll Hunter' to discover more.

[@raaaaaaaaaam496]

Neil Doerdan that movie has some ass CGI

[@harisahmed8009]

wasnt that one in Norway

[@harisahmed8009]

ger du oh didnt know that, i have read some norse myths like some trolls becoming Stones some Where in norway

[@neildoerdan2298]

Trolls are found all over Sweden and Norway, but the massive mountain trolls are found in the more inhospitable northern mountainous regions. Sometimes they travel south and cause chaos, but they prefer their isolation. The documentary explains more than I ever could.

[@luis_zuniga]

Neil Doerdan so, Sweden has a secret army made of trolls?

[@eliasfrahat7074]

This video is mainly about Sweden importance for NATO and Russia

[@imadnemeir9455]

As in, the Geopolitical importance of Sweden (No need for details)

[@temperateortropical161]

Russia is no threat to Sweden. Swedish politicians simply stir up historical fears of Russia for political purposes, such as the acceptance of culturally incompatible men whose only skill is fighting & ...

[@Rommheim1]

I love this channel! Do a video for Canada, it won't be easy to get it accurate though, Canada has a surprisingly difficult geopolitical story. Plus, it's internal politics are very difficult to grasp from the perspective of an outsider.

[@caecar103]

How do you feel about doing a geopolitics of Norway video? I know you touched on Norway in you video on the arctic, but it's something I would really like to see.

[@jarmadax]

Nice video (again). Now do Finland!

[@ahtim1900]

5:23 white horse

[@jonnyaxelsson9940]

Sweden is in many ways defined by having Stockholm as the capital. If Gothenburg (#2) or Malmö (#3) had been the capital, Sweden would have been a North Sea country (like Norway, Denmark, Britain and the Netherlands) rather than a Baltic Sea country (like Finland, Poland, and the Baltic States).

[@bobmcbobby5211]

Reallöhne good and informative Video!

[@joel7342]

"GOTALAND" LOL

[@testbravoyt3058]

Loser Why is it funny

[@auntyred8636]

@@testbravoyt3058 Because it is supposed to be Götaland. And no, we don't put extra bits above our letters for shits and giggles. ÅÄ and Ö are letters in there own right and sound nothing like A and O.

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

Fast forward 2022, Sweden is knocking on NATO door.😂

[@SeekingSnow]

Great video!

[@confushiarch3421]

good work as always

[@emilya8580]

Also there is no "Skagerak Strait". Just south of the Oslofjord lies the Skagerak /sea/, south of that is the Kattegatt /sea/. Even further south lies the strait between Copenhagen and Malmö, or between Denmark and Sweden: the Öresund Straight.

[@nis5e]

02:00 "...a generous welfare system, that distributes wealth across the society." Common misunderstanding of how wellfare works, it's important to point out: There USED to be no poverty in Sweden due to healthy communities, a hard-work culture, a strong national identity, and an INCREDIBLY succesful export & trade. This eliminated poverty in Sweden. Since the 50's, when poverty dissapeared, the ruling parties have started to believe that "Socialism" (Sweden is a mixed market-economy, not socialist) was the thing that fixed poverty. This is grossly incorrect. For example: There's new poverty amongst the immigrants they've brought in, despite the abundant wellfare. And, it's never been the case that wellfare solves poverty. Wellfare has made *NO* person rich. Only having an income solves poverty. Wellfare exists as a safety net, so people don't go homeless during bad times, so that they can rebound and get a new job. Good video overall, but i had to touch on this.

[@abrudean600]

Great video. I was wondering if you could make Geopolitics for Norway after this one.