[A. Pole]

Interesting that, like vritually all observers, he totally ignores the fact that neutral Sweden, lingering by virtue of geography in the shadow of the NATO umbrella, has been able to squander its wealth without shouldering the cost of a serious national defense

Sweden had very large national defense same was as Swiss. That is why Sweden has large and modern military industry.

[hinckley buzzard]

Sweden had very large national defense same was as Swiss. That is why Sweden has large and modern military industry.

They might have a healthy defense industry, but they don't appear to buy much of their own stuff. In 2004 Sweden had a defense budget of 5.9 billion dollars--less than the Netherlands. Pardon me if I'm not impressed.