Sweden's Defense Policy Lacks Youth Education on Values
The Swedish government's new total defense policy emphasizes the importance of young people understanding the value of freedom, democracy, and self-governance. However, the policy summary lacks mention of educating youth on these crucial aspects.
Jan Kallberg, a Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis and a former Swedish Army officer, will discuss this issue at a conference on October 8-9, 2025. He argues that a genuine understanding of societal values is vital for individuals to defend their society. During the Cold War, Sweden's strength lay in its people's conviction, not just military resources.
Currently, Swedish schools face challenges with declining academic results and a growing focus on division. This trend may hinder young people's understanding of the importance of an open society and self-governance, making them less likely to defend these values. The defense policy's focus on resources overlooks the importance of societal cohesion and understanding of values, which are necessary to counter external threats like Russian influence operations.
To rectify this oversight, the Swedish government must prioritize educating young people about the value of freedom, democracy, and self-governance. This understanding is crucial for any society's defense and should be integrated into the total defense policy.
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