Storytelling (In)Security

Abstract: For the last couple of decades the study of strategic narratives has increased in the field of international relationships, allowing for a more sociological approach. Aiming more towards viewing the storytelling and framework that is narrated by nation states and global actors. These narratives are key to understanding how we are affected by narration and the framing of events (Van Noort & Colley, 2021). As Wibben (2011, p. 39) states, humans are storytellers by nature, and narratives are the way in which we shape and understand our world. In this thesis I aim to explore strategic narratives in Swedish security discourse – against the background of the new security situation in Europe, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022. Sweden’s national identity being a neutral country is deeply integrated in the national narrative and now with the application to join NATO this notion is challenged. Last year The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency had a campaign to create “a will to defend” among Swedish civilians. In addition, the Swedish Armed forces have published and advertised a number of commercials for recruitment. In this thesis the strategic narratives in these campaigns are analysed through a narrative approach with a critical security perspective. I will argue that there are clear indications of increased militarisation in Sweden.