The purpose of this study - Strategic Outlook 2009 - is tocontribute to the Swedish discussion on national strategy and security policy. The study analyses a number of international trends and their possible consequences from both geographical and thematical perspectives.The 18 articles in the study provide an array of the important trends and international developments that will influence and change the Swedish strategic context and thus have an impact upon Swedish security policy. Overall, the articles in this study indicate a strong international dynamic.The pace of change in the international field is increasing again. It is still too early to determine whether this dynamic has the strength to profoundly change the global system. What is clear, however, is that the Swedish political and administrative system faces several challenges. Political, economic, as well as military dynamics often develop in parallel and independently of each other. Sometimes these developments interact and drive events in a different and unexpected direction. In order to meet these challenges, Sweden has to analyse a great number of subjects areas and their different combinations. With limited resources, Sweden must adapt and stand prepared to act independently or in coalition. Challenges may have to be faced at short notice. This is contribution to better understand what those challenges may be.