‘Peaceful’ Sweden once sought nuclear weapons. That legacy still shapes defence planning

For decades, Sweden has fostered a self-image as something of a world record-holder for peace, celebrating more than two centuries since it was last at war. But this record involves some creative accounting. The narrative, for example, excludes Sweden’s participation in modern-day military operations in Afghanistan and Libya.

Nor has Swedish “peacefulness” been entirely pacifist. The country operated one of the world’s largest…

© La Conversation - mercredi 9 septembre 2026