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Små stater, stora vapen - En teoristyrd innehållsanalys om Norge och Danmarks inflytande i Natos kärnvapenpolitik

Kettner, Vera LU and Axelsson, Viktor LU (2026) STVK04 20252
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study provides a number of lessons that Sweden can draw as a small state in NATO, based on how Norway and Denmark have acted in relation to NATO’s nuclear policy. Through a theory-driven content analysis of these two cases, the study concludes that small states can oppose nuclear weapons while remaining loyal allies in a military-based alliance. Norway and Denmark have systematically worked with existing agenda items rather than trying to set the agenda itself. By establishing a role as norm-setting and peace-oriented, small states can set certain reservations within the organisation, although some limitations may arise. In line with small-state theory, these countries employ specific strategies to increase their influence and advance... (More)
This study provides a number of lessons that Sweden can draw as a small state in NATO, based on how Norway and Denmark have acted in relation to NATO’s nuclear policy. Through a theory-driven content analysis of these two cases, the study concludes that small states can oppose nuclear weapons while remaining loyal allies in a military-based alliance. Norway and Denmark have systematically worked with existing agenda items rather than trying to set the agenda itself. By establishing a role as norm-setting and peace-oriented, small states can set certain reservations within the organisation, although some limitations may arise. In line with small-state theory, these countries employ specific strategies to increase their influence and advance their interest within an asymmetrical collaboration. Geographic positions can be leveraged to their advantage and by participating in policy formation, they can help shape security geopolitical positions without being primary decision-makers. For Sweden, the country’s geopolitical position and sensitive relationship with Russia will create challenging conditions for influence, partially as alliance dynamics change. Success will depend on Sweden’s ability to define a clear and credible role in nuclear policy and balancing national principles with alliance commitments. (Less)
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author
Kettner, Vera LU and Axelsson, Viktor LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK04 20252
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Småstater, roller, kärnvapen, säkerhetspolitik, Nato, Norge, Danmark, Sverige
language
Swedish
id
9217063
date added to LUP
2026-01-26 11:48:25
date last changed
2026-01-26 11:48:25
@misc{9217063,
  abstract     = {{This study provides a number of lessons that Sweden can draw as a small state in NATO, based on how Norway and Denmark have acted in relation to NATO’s nuclear policy. Through a theory-driven content analysis of these two cases, the study concludes that small states can oppose nuclear weapons while remaining loyal allies in a military-based alliance. Norway and Denmark have systematically worked with existing agenda items rather than trying to set the agenda itself. By establishing a role as norm-setting and peace-oriented, small states can set certain reservations within the organisation, although some limitations may arise. In line with small-state theory, these countries employ specific strategies to increase their influence and advance their interest within an asymmetrical collaboration. Geographic positions can be leveraged to their advantage and by participating in policy formation, they can help shape security geopolitical positions without being primary decision-makers. For Sweden, the country’s geopolitical position and sensitive relationship with Russia will create challenging conditions for influence, partially as alliance dynamics change. Success will depend on Sweden’s ability to define a clear and credible role in nuclear policy and balancing national principles with alliance commitments.}},
  author       = {{Kettner, Vera and Axelsson, Viktor}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Små stater, stora vapen - En teoristyrd innehållsanalys om Norge och Danmarks inflytande i Natos kärnvapenpolitik}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}