Gömd eller glömd? Realism i den svenska riksdagsdebatten

Abstract

Title: Hidden or Forgotten? – Realism in the Swedish Parliamentary Debate

The spoken word of politicians creates expectations for subsequent action. The language used when formulating security, foreign and defense policies can thus provide an indication what measures the politicians are prepared to take in order to promote their national interests. In international relations theory the use of force is primarily associated with realism. The use of realist concepts in the political communication could thus serve as an indicator of the politicians’ views on the use of force. In this article the use of realism in the parliamentary debate in Sweden is explored. The findings indicate differences between the political parties as well as between the topics of the debate.