Sweden

Sweden Plans New Foreign Intelligence Agency by 2027

Is this a necessary defense upgrade or a sign of Sweden's growing militarism?

2 days ago·Updated 1 day ago

Sweden Plans New Foreign Intelligence Agency by 2027

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Above: The Swedish and EU flags fly in front of the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 16, 2020. Image credit: Jonathan Nackstrande/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Sweden's new foreign intelligence agency is a necessary response to a rapidly shifting threat landscape. The demands imposed by NATO membership and technological change require a more specialized, coordinated intelligence operation, which this government is delivering. Paired with billions more in defense funding, Sweden is building a real deterrence capability.

Government Offices of Sweden Government Offices of Sweden

Government-critical narrative

The announcement of this new intelligence agency is yet another sign of Sweden's growing militarization. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Sweden has abandoned its traditional neutrality at breakneck speed. In the process, peace organizations have lost funding overnight, civil society has shrunk and dissent has been silenced in favor of a growing chorus for war.

Jacobin The Loop