Internationell solidaritet eller nationellt säkerhetsintresse: En kvalitativ studie om strategiska narrativ för svenska internationella militära insatser

Sammanfattning: The field of research on military intervention is usually based on grand theories in international relations. This thesis argues that understanding can be created through a narrower approach where narratives and discourses are examined. Therefore, this study intends to examine how strategic narratives are used at the political level to justify international military operations. The thesis bases its theoretical approach on strategic narratives, with emphasis on four key elements: clear purpose, prospects of success, consistency, absence of strong counternarratives. Through a qualitative content analysis, primary sources of official documents such as government bills and protocols from the political debates, are examined. The study examines Sweden’s military operations in Kosovo (1999-2013), Liberia (2004-2006), Afghanistan (2001-2014), and Mali (2014-ongoing). The results show that the operation in Liberia is the only case where all four key elements are met. Furthermore, the thesis finds Sweden’s strategic narrative to be all-encompassing, where several aspects are included ranging from norms and values as well as national security interests, to justify the necessity of each operation. This entails broad support for participation but can nevertheless undermine the understanding of what the operation should contribute to. Especially if the mission and the strategic narrative change over time.