Flash Points: Sweden is making the most of NATO’s waiting room

Plus: Merchant shippers fear another tanker war is coming. FEBRUARY 7, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](     Sponsored by The [George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs]( [U.S. and Swedish Marines ride on a CB90 fast assault craft as they participate in a military exercise in the Stockholm Archipelago on Sept. 13, 2023. ]( U.S. and Swedish Marines ride on a CB90 fast assault craft as they participate in a military exercise in the Stockholm Archipelago on Sept. 13, 2023. Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images   [1]( [Sweden Is Making the Most of NATO’s Waiting Room]( Sweden’s military has taken a 500-year path to joining NATO, from the Vikings through Napoleon and neutrality. So what’s another few months? By Jack Detsch   [2]( [Merchant Shippers Fear Another Tanker War Is Coming]( The Strait of Hormuz is getting ever more dangerous as Washington and Tehran square off. By Elisabeth Braw   [3]( [Why Middle Powers Can’t Pursue Grand Strategy]( The U.S.-South Korea alliance perfectly illustrates the limits of independent action in an unstable world. By Jo Inge Bekkevold   [4]( [How Did This Brilliant Chinese Rust Belt Noir Get Made Under Xi?]( “The Long Season” is the funniest, saddest show to come out of China. By James Palmer   [5]( [The Two-State Solution Is a Recipe for Carnage]( Washington’s favorite prescription for Israeli-Palestinian peace risks unleashing a wave of interethnic violence unseen since the partition of India and Pakistan. By Manlio Graziano Sponsored [Explore the Elliott School’s Lifelong Value]( Whether you’re just starting your career and looking to develop your expertise, or aiming to leverage your experience towards greater advancement, a graduate program at the Elliott School of International Affairs offers the advantage you’re looking for. Build the skills, knowledge, and network you need to make an impact on the global issues that matter most to you. [Click]( to learn more.   [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( [Sign up for SitRep]( [FP is heading to the Munich Security Conference Feb. 16-18. Sign up for the Situation Report newsletter for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most consequential gatherings of world leaders.]( [GET ON THE LIST](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Flash Points newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.