“Thanks to MANY things invented by the US, it is now possible for small nations to do things previously impossible”
- Yes, but thanks to MANY things invented by Swedish companies and/or Swedish persons, large nations like USA, Germany and Japan today performs better than they did in the past.
Something I find interesting about the Swedish economy is how “differentiated” and diversified it is.
Even if you reside in say France, Australia, California or whatever, you could actually live a 100% Swedish life; drive a Swedish made car (Volvo/SAAB/Koenigsegg), live in a Swedish prefab house (for instance, check out http://www.aladomo.com/) and surround yourself with IKEA furniture and Swedish hi-tech like that of Ericsson or why not Aqeri (http://www.propac.se/?id=144) and so on.
Yes, Israel too is a very competent, yet small country with a strong defense. But do they have tank drivers of this caliber? (the vehicle is called CV 90, not to be confused with the Volvo XC 90):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZZz4cB43JE
What fundamental new technologies has Sweden invented?? Aircraft? Spacecraft? Microelectronics? Nuclear power?? Thin-film solar cells?? Sorry, but Sweden has NOT been a powerhouse of development. For some very FEW things they have made some significant improvements, but real world-impact technologies.....no.
Take your "Sweden uber alles" crap somewhere else. Like all Swedes I've ever met you have the same unjustified superiority complex.