Colliding interests: Examining Sami rights amidst the green transition - A comparative study of the Norwegian and Swedish Sami communities’ power in wind turbine licensing

Abstract: This thesis is a comparative case study of the Norwegian and Swedish Sami communities' power in the licensing process for wind turbines on their land. The study aims to identify the Norwegian and Swedish Sami communities' power and whether it differs between the two countries. Robert Dahl's theory about power and influence is employed to approach the question. Based on Dahl's three approaches to measuring power, the phenomenon of power is investigated using a qualitative content analysis method to investigate and interpret official documents from the licensing process. Considering limitations, our findings indicate a disparity between the Sami communities' formal power and their experienced and exercised power in both countries. The power of the Sami communities' is, within the scope of this study, considered weak and marginalized. However, the Norwegian Sami communities demonstrated a slightly higher power level in the process than the Swedish. The results and findings have opened up more questions regarding the rights of the Sami people and Indigenous rights.