Lecture Notes: How Powerful is Sweden?

Introduction

• Topic: Exploration of Sweden's power through its society, politics, and military.
• Motivation: High living standards, education, healthcare, international respect.

Geographic and Political Context

• Location: Nordic and Scandinavian country in Northern Europe.
• Definitions:
  • Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway.
  • Nordic countries: Includes Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Aland Islands.
• Size: Third largest EU member (~175,000 square miles).
• Monarchy: Exists but with no real power; ruled by democratic parliament.

Government and Constitution

• Pillars of Constitution:
  1. Government power comes from the population via the parliament (Riksdag).
  2. Monarchs with succession rules, must be Protestant.
  3. Freedom of the press without censorship.
  4. Freedom of expression, with exceptions for public defamation.

Social System

• Population: 10 million.
• Benefits: Universal healthcare, free college education.
• Economy: High per capita income, significant tax (average 60%).
  • 25% taxes to healthcare and education.
  • 40% to social security.
  • 5% to law enforcement and military.

Military and Neutrality

• Military Rank: 29th in the world.
• Troops: Over 40,000.
• Budget: ~$6 billion.
• History: Last warfare in 1814, known for neutrality.
• Memberships: EU, UN, Nordic Council, WTO, OECD.
• Not a Member: NATO, Eurozone (uses krona).

Society and Demographics

• Quality of Life: Happy, healthy, wealthy, well-educated, progressive.
• Foreign-born Population: 25% due to acceptance of refugees from Middle East and North Africa.
• Crime Rates: Stable since 2005, despite nationalist rhetoric.

Conclusion

• Model Society: Balances social welfare and high incomes, open to refugees.
• Global Reputation: Seen as a model for other countries, doing well independently.