Аннотация:Sweden is a country that has a reputation and historical legacy as being “neutral” and working for peaceful solutions to different global problems after the bitter experiences in the 18th and 19th centuries that saw it fall as a regional power of the Baltic Sea region in a series of conflicts with the Russian Empire. Contemporary mainstream politics and society places itself firmly in the camp of global liberalism and the stressing the importance of the trans-Atlantic partnership, which influences how Sweden views its mission and approach to global affairs. Sweden’s centuries long policy of neutrality/non-alignment is being tested in an environment of deteriorating relations with Russia. This is most clearly seen in the NATO debate where a noticeable split is taking place in society along the lines of humanitarian values (those supporting neutrality/non-alignment) and “interests” (namely supposed security interests by the pro-NATO side).