Finland, Austria, Sweden, Ireland, and Switzerland are termed as neutral nations because they had little or no involvement during armed conflicts like WWII and the Cold War. These nations have also disassociated themselves with geo-political tensions between the East and the West. In recent times, some of the neutral nations have showed tendencies of denouncing their neutral status by picking sides between the Eastern Powers and Western Powers. A recent example is Finland and Sweden's joint interest in joining NATO. Over the years, countries like Belarus and Azerbaijan have also receded on their proclaimed neutrality by forming strong ties with Russia.