In the shadow of the NATO application: Sweden can reintroduce arms exports to Turkey

In order for Turkey to approve Sweden's NATO application, the country demands, among other things, that Sweden revoke the export ban on weapons introduced against Turkey in 2019. Pictured: An American soldier with the Swedish weapon AT4, a Swedish armored shot manufactured by Saab Dynamics AB. Photo: Sgt. Harley Jelis, New York National Guard. Source: Flickr.

Of: Elise Olsson

Sweden's NATO application has been challenged by Turkey, which does not want to allow a Swedish NATO membership unless Sweden agrees to five demands made by Turkey. One of them is to revoke the export ban on weapons that Sweden introduced against Turkey during 2019.

May 31, 2022, Notis

Week 23: Increased nationalism, EU migration policy and criticism of arms exports to Yemen

Of: Jennie Aradszky

This week, migration policy in Sweden and at EU level has been debated. Nationalism and closed borders have increased within the EU and in Sweden there is a proposal for a new Aliens Act which, according to a large number of researchers, goes completely against the knowledge about migration and integration. Swedish arms exports have also been discussed and criticized with reference to the war in Yemen.

June 14, 2021, Current debate

The double standard in Swedish arms exports

Continued arms exports to the war in Yemen. Photo: Felton Davis, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Of: Hanna Kristiansen

In the government's foreign policy debate at the end of February, the focus was on Sweden's involvement through humanitarian aid in the serious conflict in Yemen. At the same time, the export of Swedish munitions to the warring parties continues, which contributes to human rights violations. Sweden's arms exports are in sharp contrast to the development policy adopted by the Riksdag, says Magnus Walan, senior policy adviser at Diakonia

May 3, 2021, Reportage

Debaters call for Swedish leadership in humanitarian aid

Uganda Red Cross

Countries without access to clean water, soap and medicines now need support more than ever before, several debaters write. Photo: Anna Dubuis / DFID

Of: Rebecka Rönnegård

The Corona pandemic makes it more important than ever that Sweden acts as a humanitarian superpower. That was the message on several opinion pages a week. At the same time, a debater pointed out that we must not forget other news, such as that Saab continues to sell weapons to the Yemeni war.

April 16, 2020, Current debate

Oil refineries and punitive tariffs will help the climate

Preemraff in Lysekil

Expanding the oil refinery in Lysekil is a good global environmental policy, according to the Sweden Democrats' Martin Kinnunen. Photo: Lars Falkdalen Lindahl (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Of: Kerstin Edquist

Can an oil refinery in Sweden be good for the global climate? Or should we impose tariffs on big emitters like the US and China? These are issues that have been debated this week. In addition, feminist foreign policy has received both praise and rice.

January 30, 2020, Current debate

What is really happening on the European continent?

French protesters

A lot is happening on the European continent. The large demonstrations in France are an example. Photo: Olivier Ortelpa (CC BY 2.0)

Of: Karl Follin

When French protesters chant in the streets of Paris, the world's intellectual elite toasts toast champagne at the Nobel dinner in Stockholm. But the Nobel dinner also put the EU's relationship with DR Congo on the agenda.

December 12, 2018, Current debate

Sweden - arms exporter and peace broker?

Said Mohammed stands at his son's grave in Yemen.

Said Mohammed's 8-month-old son starved to death during the ongoing war in Yemen. Photo: Nariman El-Mofty, AP (CC BY 2.0 License)

Of: Karl Follin

Swedish arms exports contribute, according to some, to what has been described as the worst humanitarian crisis in modern times: the war in Yemen. At the same time, many are putting their hopes in future peace negotiations - with the help of Sweden.

November 7, 2018, Current debate

Sweden should take responsibility for both Antarctica and its weapons

Where has Sweden's commitment and responsibility for Antarctica taken? several debaters wonder.

Of: Christina Arvidsson

Following the suspected assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashouggi, several debaters are demanding an end to Swedish arms exports to Saudi Arabia. Other debaters wonder where Sweden's commitment and responsibility for Antarctica has gone.

October 24, 2018, Current debate