Climate change, security and military organizations: Changing notions in the Swedish armed forces

Abstract

Climate change has become a critical issue in security policy and military organizations are ever more involved in handling it. Yet, little is known about how armed forces, which often possess substantial resources, are hierarchically structured and have the capacity to exercise force, actually account for climate change and its relationship to security. This article addresses the research gap by analyzing how the Swedish Armed Forces approach climate change and related security issues. The article adopts a qualitative case study research design and an analytical framework for examining climate security discourses, and finds that climate change has become institutionalized in the Swedish Armed Forces. The Swedish Armed Forces conceptualizes climate change in terms of risks and vulnerabilities, and expects the phenomenon to become increasingly critical to its activities. Data for the analysis consist of official documents, publications and public statements by senior officials in the Swedish Armed Forces.