Sweden’s conservative “Moderate Party” has been taking of NATO membership as a long-term aim. But why not simply a European defense alliance?

Well, you may object that they are “conservative,” so that explains it. Not really! Sweden’s “conservatives” are not really conservative at all by standards elsewhere. They are centrists, at best, and slightly to the left of FF or FG if you pinned them down on issues. 

There is an argument to be had over whether NATO or an EU defense would be the best long-run security guarantee for Europe. And, even if you came down on the side of NATO, you might still say that Ireland should not join the alliance. The case for an EU defense agenda is simply not as strong as is often made out.

As for Irish neutrality, think of it this way. When the pressures of the Cold War did not compel us to join NATO, we are probably safe from that quarter in future. However, can we really say the same for an EU alliance? In the great European division of labor, Ireland’s interests are best served by giving the defense portfolio to NATO. As always, we can then applaud (quietly!) from the sidelines.

Seriously, though, this is an important topic - one for a longer posting later.