Revisiting Sweden’s Approach to Human Rights in Foreign Policy
Revisiting Sweden’s Approach to Human Rights in Foreign Policy

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the evolution and impact of Sweden’s human rights foreign policy since 2009, addressing the research problem of whether Sweden maintains its position as a global leader in human rights oriented foreign policy amidst shifting domestic and international dynamics. The objectives include analysing Sweden’s foreign aid practices, refugee policies, peace and security contributions, and gender equality initiatives, with a particular focus on the implementation and implications of the Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) introduced in 2014. Employing a qualitative analysis of academic sources, governmental reports, and policy documents, this research identifies key trends and challenges within Sweden’s human rights agenda. The findings reveal that Sweden (at least partially) continues to assert its leading role, demonstrating a commitment to promoting human rights globally, albeit with notable shifts in priorities influenced by domestic political changes and global migration trends. While Sweden’s refugee policies have faced scrutiny and the FFP having prompted both significant domestic cultural shifts and controversy, issues remain regarding the coherence of its arms export policies and the perceived decline of its Bryskian “gold standard” status. At the same time, the utilisation of digital diplomacy has emerged as a critical avenue for Sweden’s advocacy, enhancing its engagement on human rights issues internationally.

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