Swedish security in a European perspective: Existential challenges and responses
Lars-Erik Lundin and Michael Sahlin
What does the European dimension mean for Swedish security policy? Militarily, the transatlantic link is still largely crucial, but the importance of European strategic autonomy is increasing. Civilly, however, the European dimension is absolutely central from the flow security perspective advocated by the report.
This main question for the entire SES project was discussed in light of three highly topical events during the Academy meeting on October 13:
- The catastrophic developments in Afghanistan
- The submarine deal with Australia announced by the US and UK
- The election in Germany with implications for upcoming central security policy decisions (Nuclear sharing with the United States)
The presentation was conducted by lead authors Michael Sahlin and Lars-Erik Lundin. See video link alternatively audio version
During the subsequent discussion, the broadening that the report proposes far beyond the current total defense framework to what the governor called a societal defense was debated.
Great attention was also paid to the importance of being able to make quick decisions at different levels – another important dimension in the report's conclusions.
The report will – before it is available in book form – be further presented with an emphasis on the Nordic dimension at the autumn symposium on October 27.