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.

'This is a groundbreaking analysis of neutrality in general in the context of European state systems through the centuries. It is also an astute scrutiny of Sweden's traditional neutrality up to its present predicament since Sweden joined the EU, with an innovative emphasis on the societal purposes neutrality has served. Though a privileged observer, af Malmborg writes with the detachment of an international historian taking the long view. A remarkably rewarding read.' - Krister Wahlbäck, Ambassador and Professor of Political Science, University of Umeå 'This book is a subtle blend of history, political theory and contemporary analysis. Mikael af Malmborg's readable and wide-ranging analysis deserves reading by historians and decisionmakers alike, as concepts of neutrality change in the post-cold war world'. - Dr Anne Deighton, University of Oxford, United Kingdom 'This interesting, well-argued book will be useful to international relations theorists and those interested in comparative foreign policy.' - J.H. Eastby, Choice

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.