WI: Sweden and Austria ally with NATO during the Cold War?

[Airedale260]

So, here is a scenario I've been pondering:

In 1949, Sweden chose to stay neutral rather than join NATO, even though it wanted a mutual defense pact with Denmark and Norway. What if, instead, they opted to join NATO as a full member?

Likewise, Austria essentially agreed to be neutral in order for the Soviets to agree to their full independence (note that this wasn't actually stipulated in the Austrian State Treaty but rather an act of parliament). What, if, after the 1956 elections, the Austrian People's Party wins a decisive victory and, due to a combination of deep dissatisfaction with USIA (the Soviets basically looting Austria as 'reparations') and concern that they're next on the menu after the 1956 uprising in Hungary is crushed, Austria takes the position Sweden does IRL -namely, they're quietly and unofficially under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and, in case of war, will side with NATO if things go hot)

How do relations between the two blocs develop? And would it mean Austria winds up becoming a full member after the end of the Cold War?

 

[sillygoose]

It would certainly heighten tensions which may cause war if the Soviets get paranoid enough. I'd imagine Austria might have stipulations about joining for mutual defense after the CW, but would opt out of non-European conflicts to avoid getting dragged into fighting around the world.

 

[ATP]

Nothing change ? except sweden technology
in NATO.Maybe we would see more Gripens made, and PZ2000 mass produced.

 

[lordhen]

So, here is a scenario I've been pondering:

In 1949, Sweden chose to stay neutral rather than join NATO, even though it wanted a mutual defense pact with Denmark and Norway. What if, instead, they opted to join NATO as a full member?

Likewise, Austria essentially agreed to be neutral in order for the Soviets to agree to their full independence (note that this wasn't actually stipulated in the Austrian State Treaty but rather an act of parliament). What, if, after the 1956 elections, the Austrian People's Party wins a decisive victory and, due to a combination of deep dissatisfaction with USIA (the Soviets basically looting Austria as 'reparations') and concern that they're next on the menu after the 1956 uprising in Hungary is crushed, Austria takes the position Sweden does IRL -namely, they're quietly and unofficially under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and, in case of war, will side with NATO if things go hot)

How do relations between the two blocs develop? And would it mean Austria winds up becoming a full member after the end of the Cold War?

They where already pro-NATO and if there was World War III i doubt the Soviets would care much about their neutrality.

 

[ATP]

They where already pro-NATO and if there was World War III i doubt the Soviets would care much about their neutrality.

Austria would be taken in one day,Sweden...soviet could not go by land there,so only invasion by sea would work.They would not waste their limited assets that way.

 

[Husky_Khan]

The main benefit of Austria is maybe if it's a NATO ally you could potentially fortify the border unlike with West Germany IIRC. And it'll be a lot easier for troops from the Med. to move into or be propositioned in Austria without any fuss instead of having to get entangled in potentially violating Austrian neutrality in case a War breaks out. Advancing through a friendly Austria would be far easier then moving forth through the Italian Alps into a neutral Austria.

Sweden being in NATO would make any potential landings in Denmark or Northern Germany even more hazardous plus they can provide immediate assistance to Norway in case of Commie aggression on their shared border or super long coastline.

Both countries would be providing essential boosts to the periphery of the main conflict and could potentially free up more American and British assets etc for that main conflict in the heart of Germany.