Sweden's Leader Warns: US Power Risks "Small Nation" Sovereignty

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has issued a rare public critique of the United States, warning that its foreign policy actions can threaten the sovereignty of smaller countries. In a speech, Kristersson pointed to two specific examples. He referenced the U.S. recognition of Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate president in 2019. He also mentioned former U.S. President Donald Trump's 2019 interest in buying Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The Prime Minister stated that such actions, even if later reversed, create real problems. He argued they undermine the principle that a country's size should not determine its right to self-determination. Kristersson emphasized Sweden's firm support for a rules-based international order. He stressed that all nations, large and small, must follow the same agreed-upon rules. The comments are notable given Sweden's recent move to join the NATO alliance, where the U.S. is the leading member. Analysts see the speech as balancing alliance solidarity with Sweden's traditional advocacy for international law.