Neutrality and Statebuilding in Sweden

The successful maintenance of peace since 1814 made neutrality a widely popular doctrine in Sweden. Rather than a security policy in the strict sense, it has become a cornerstone of Swedish national identity. Yet, in the past decade the neutrality tradition has been called into question. What is meant by neutrality? Has Sweden ever been neutral? This book analyses the emergence, institutionalisation and reassessment of neutrality, of the notion of peace as a national good, from the sixteenth century to the present debate on NATO membership.

Auteur

MIKAEL AF MALMBORG is Associate Professor of History and European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Stockholm, and University College of South Stockholm. His publications include The Resilient Nation-State: Sweden and West European Integration, 1945-59, and numerous articles on Sweden, Finland and European integration history, nation-building and identities in Europe.

Contenu

Preface Introduction: National Peace and Neutrality PART I: SOVEREIGNTY FROM THE TOP-DOWN Neutrality in the Old Regime PART II: SOVEREIGNTY FROM THE BOTTOM-UP Neutrality in the Revolutionary Era, 1789-1815 Neutrality in the Era of Balance of Power, 1815-1917 PART III: SOVEREIGNTY AND SECURITY COMMUNITY SINCE 1917 Between Neutrality and Collective Security Neutrality in the Euro-Atlantic Security Community (Post-) neutrality in the New Europe Conclusion: Peace, Neutrality and the Nation-State Bibliography Index