As Sweden rebuilds its total defence, private companies are playing an increasingly important role in national preparedness. A study from the University of Gothenburg shows that this growing responsibility also brings costs and constraints for businesses.
Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and a deteriorating global security environment, Sweden resumed total defence planning in 2015. However, today's model differs significantly from the one dismantled at the end of the Cold War.
"Today's total defence is developing in a more globalised and market-oriented era, where companies are expected to contribute to preparedness while also protecting their commercial freedom," says Bryan Mabee, Senior Lecturer in International Relations.
From state control to market freedom
Business is central to total defence. Companies are needed to secure access to, among other things, energy, food, transport, digital infrastructure, health care and functioning payment systems. They also play an important role in military defence, for example through the maintenance and development of defence products and technologies.
During the Cold War, Swedish total defence was more state-controlled. In a crisis or war, the state could take control of strategically important companies, known as K-företag. After the Cold War, the defence sector was liberalised, and Swedish defence companies became increasingly international, with a greater focus on foreign investment and exports.
"Many companies' ownership, production and supply chains may now stretch across several countries. Compared with the Cold War period, this makes them harder for the Swedish state to regulate and control," says Bryan Mabee.
As Sweden now rebuilds its total defence, business involvement is seen as crucial to societal security by both the state and companies. Many essential services and systems are owned or operated by private companies, which means they must be involved in planning how society should function in a crisis or war.
"But many companies also want to protect their commercial freedom, and may therefore be reluctant to accept the costs or restrictions that can come with preparedness work, business continuity planning or closer state coordination," says Bryan Mabee.
Questions of influence and democratic oversight
Some established defence companies and industry organisations already have close ties to national security structures. This may give them a stronger position as the emerging market for total defence takes shape.
"It is important to understand not only how total defence has changed historically, but also the politics surrounding the role of companies within it. If companies become more central to preparedness, we also need to discuss questions of influence, responsibility and public control," says Bryan Mabee.
