Behind Closed Doors : Analysing the Ethical Dilemma of Swedish Arms Export to Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study aims to shed light on the ethical implications of Sweden’s arms export to Saudi Arabia. It compares the compatibility of such exports with fundamental human rights standards and analyses the Swedish Government's justification of arms trade to Saudi Arabia in relation to international and local ethics, considering the principles of human rights, conflict resolution, states’ responsibility in promoting peace and conflict resolution and the recognition of people’s shared responsibility for the well-being of all people. It analyses governmental statements, documents on arms trade and Swedish legislation in comparison to their international commitments through the lens of the analytical framework grounded in international ethics. The thesis has been conducted as a qualitative case and desk study with abductive reasoning. The findings highlight the complex tension between ethical responsibility of states in the international arena. By applying international ethics as the analytical framework, it offers insight into the role of states in promoting ethical standards in arms trade and the broader realm of international relations.