USAWC (US Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. Swedish Security Policy.
Abstract
The guiding principle of Sweden's policy is 'nonparticipation in alliances in peacetime, aiming at neutrality in the event of war.' Partially because of this policy Sweden has not been involved in war for more than 170 years. The question is now if it is possible for Sweden to remian neutral even in the future. The strategic importance of the Nordic Area has increased during the last 20 years. The vicinity of the military base in the Kola Peninsula is one example of that. Therefore, the risk for Sweden to be involved in a conflict between the two superpowers in the Nordic Area has increased. Sweden could be forced to give up its neutral policy in the future by economical or military reasons. Sweden has decreased its military defense during the last 25 years. Therefore, decisions concerning military defence in 1987 will be very important. A further decrease of military resources will imply that the military defense cannot support the security policy in a proper manner. However, the judgment is that the Parliament will increase the military spending. If this proves correct, there is not reason to change Swedish security policy during the rest of this century.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA170392
Entities
People
- Nils I. Rosenqvist
Organizations
- United States Army War College