Russia and some problems of the Scandinavian neutrality

Article is devoted to analysis of Russian/Soviet perception of Scandinavian and in the first place Swedish neutrality. The idea that Sweden has remained neutral since 1814 and several generations of Swedes got used to the fact that all military upheavals and conflicts bypass their country is a constant theme of Russian-language texts about Sweden - including Soviet Foreign Ministry's memoranda. Throughout this period attitudes toward neutrality in general and Swedish neutrality in particular underwent an evolution. Swedish neutrality itself did not remain unchanged. Since the collapse of the USSR and Sweden's membership in the EU its foreign policy concept started to change. The bipolar system's disintegration led to a diminished role of neutrality in today's international relations and Sweden's abandonment of traditional neutrality. At the same time historical experience in the implementation of neutrality (alliance-free) policy during the Cold War is attracting increased interest.