In a recent FOI study researchers look to the future and observe trends and potential developments in 18 geographical and thematic areas. The Swedish political system is facing new challenges that may require attention in the short term.
“The title Säkerhetspolitisk forsränning? [Shooting the security policy rapids?] gives a picture of the challenges that Sweden faces,” says Niklas Granholm, security policy analyst at FOI and one of the three editors of the study. “The report indicates that changes are taking place very quickly and that there are many, often invisible, dangers. While rapid decision-making may become a necessity, it would be easy to make mistakes.”
Analysis, understanding and preparation are important in order to be able to handle potentially destablilising situations. FOI is encountering an increasing demand for easily accessible and brief analyses of various courses of development in the world. The "strategic outlook" concept provides a way for researchers to share FOI’s competence more quickly. The 18 different contributions to the study indicate that there are strong international dynamics at work in virtually all areas.
“One example of this dynamic is the global economic crisis, which has already led to an international re-allocation of resources. The need for internationally coordinated measures in order to bring about a change of developments is increasingly strong,” says Johannes Malminen, FOI analyst specialised in dealing with financial crises and the relationship between the economy and global security. "The global free trade system can be threatened when national interests are given precedence over collective interests."
Several contributions to the study point to the formation of a great number of rifts in the world – far off and close by.
“We are working with assessments of the world situation,” says John Rydqvist, an analyst specialised in Asian studies. “Preparedness and an ability to actively deal with what is just around the corner are at the core of Sweden’s ability to influence its situation, relationships and development,” Rydqvist adds.
Read the Report Strategisk utblick 2009 – säkerhetspolitisk forsränning?