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Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2025 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.

Solutions for Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.

Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given beside.The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has almost doubled its borders with Russia with the addition of Finland as its 31st member in April 2023. Sweden will become a member eventually, once the ratification process gets over, which will swell NATO’s territorial expanse like never before, and also make the Baltic Sea a NATO lake. The accession of Finland was the fastest on record. For long, Nordic countries Finland and Sweden had refused to take sides, maintaining military nonalignment and being focused more on their internal socioeconomic development, thus making them models of modern welfare states. Their relations with Russia were moderate at best, if not deep enough. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the way they had viewed their eastern neighbour and the predictability of its leader, Vladimir Putin. For sure, Mr. Putin’s actions have brought certain changes in the regional security dynamics of Europe.First, engaging Russia has never been so easy for the European Union, mostly because of differences among member-states. Some European countries such as Germany and France had a soft corner for Russia, unlike some Baltic states such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania which have been in favor of treading a cautious path. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only brought back war to the European realm in the post-second World War era but is also a blow to the EU’s image as an actor, having failed to avert the war in its neighborhood. An interesting outcome in this adverse situation is that Russia’s actions have now united European countries more than ever before. Second, Mr. Putin might not have expected that Finland and Sweden would give up their neutrality so soon. Their membership will also mean more expenditure, militarily, and restructuring apart from a stationing of NATO forces under the new command structure. As a response, Russia will also build its military presence in the adjoining northern areas and the Kaliningrad exclave. Bordering Finland, these northern areas (starting from St. Petersburg to Murmansk) come under the Russian Core region, which is strategically and economically important for Russia. Having NATO at its Finnish door will further fuel Russian anxiety. Spotlight on the Arctic Third, apart from these immediate border areas, another region where Nordic countries (or for that matter NATO) may face a standoff with Russia is the Arctic region, which has received little attention as being too hostile an environment to merit any attention. But, due to climate change and prospects of harnessing untapped oil, gas and mineral resources, it is receiving wide attention, creating unexpected and complex challenges. Apart from the United States, Canada, and Russia, the Nordic countries such as Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Finland are members of the Arctic Council and have a direct stake in Arctic affairs. There have been localized confrontations between Russia and other actors here. NATO membership for the Nordic countries has brought a new geostrategic dimension to the Arctic’s future.Q.What credible alternatives to a larger military presence and budget may Finland and Sweden pursue in order to solve their security concerns without joining NATO, according to the passage?a)Finland and Sweden could improve their interactions with the nations around them and with regional security agencies.b)By modernizing their armed forces, enhancing technical developments, and improving military infrastructure, both nations can make investments in their own defense capacities.c)In order to manage potential tensions, Finland and Sweden can give diplomatic efforts top priority and keep lines of communication open with their neighbors.d)All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.