Från kryphål till skotthål En motivanalys om undantag i svensk lagstiftning om vapenexport efter lagändringen 2018

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the existing research field of Swedish arms export by examining the motives behind how the Swedish government and ISP have warranted arms export to countries in or on the brink of armed conflict after the change in law in 2018. The current Swedish legislation from 2018 with its basis in international legislation does not allow arms export to countries in or on the brink of armed conflict, but it still occurs due to a law that allows for exceptions if the arms export aligns with Sweden's interest in security policy. Earlier research has been conducted in the field and stated that Sweden’s progressive brand makes it possible for Sweden to export arms and still come across as a peaceful country, and that the Swedish government is involved in the arms trade which is essentially a private market. The analysis uses the theory of militarization to establish possible motives and a theoretical framework. The analysis is conducted as a case study of three cases of arms export to three countries after 2018. The motives are the domestic need of arms, interstate relations, and protection by trade. The result of this study finds that all motives can be found in the case study, with the domestic need of arms being the motive with the highest frequency and centrality overall.