Flashback - Sweden’s Security Policy 1918-2000

Summary of Torsten Örn's article in RSAWSPJ no 3 2001.

Wilhelm Agrell, well-known academic, prolific writer on security policy, author of fiction and a fellow of The Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences, has used his great expertise to give an overview of Sweden’s security policy during the years 1918-2000. He has aptly called his book Peace and Fear. Sweden’s Security Policy 1918-2000 (Fred och fruktan. Sveriges säkerhetspolitiska historia 1918-2000, Historiska Media, Lund 2000). This is a useful guide which offers the reader a thorough recapitulation of Swedish history in the 20th century. Agrell starts by describing the situation in Europe after the First World War and tells the story up to and including Poland’s and other countries’ entry into NATO. This is a wise move since there are close points of similarity between the situation in Europe after the end of the Cold War and back in the 1920s. This is true not least of the Baltic Sea area with a relatively weak Russia, a non-aggressive Germany, a reinstated Poland and three independent Baltic states. In addition, it gives the reader a good idea of the continuity of a "prudently guarded" Swedish foreign policy - despite its at times inherently turgid verbosity.

Agrell must be complimented for his ability to weave together diplomacy and foreign policy with military and industrial matters to create a complete picture of Swedish security policy. Also, he moves with an air of easy assurance among the main figures who, in the 20th century, joined forces to shape Swedish security policy.

To sum up, Agrell’s book deserves to be read and pondered on, but it is hardly the last word. On the contrary it stresses the need for yet another neutrality commission covering the years after 1969.