The Secret War Against Sweden

Main Themes and Topics

The Secret War Against Sweden by Ola Tunander delves into the covert operations conducted by Western powers in Swedish waters during the Cold War era. The book explores the geopolitical tensions and manipulations surrounding the submarine intrusions that occurred in the Swedish archipelago following the incident involving a Soviet Whiskey-class submarine in 1981. Tunander provides a detailed examination of classified documents and interviews, revealing that the submarine activities were often orchestrated by the United States and Britain as part of a broader strategy to apply political pressure on Sweden.

The central theme of the book is the concept of a "secret war," where clandestine operations are employed by superpowers to manipulate public perception and influence national policies without direct confrontation. Tunander also discusses how such secretive endeavors contribute to the shaping of international relations and security policies.

Writing Style and Tone

Ola Tunander employs a meticulous and investigative writing style that is supported by extensive research. The tone of the book is analytical and authoritative, providing readers with a detailed account of the geopolitical maneuvers during the Cold War. Tunander presents his findings with clarity, ensuring that complex military and political issues are accessible to a broad audience. The use of interviews and classified documents adds depth and credibility to the narrative.

Brief Summary

In The Secret War Against Sweden, Ola Tunander presents a compelling account of the Western covert activities in the Swedish archipelago during the early 1980s. Following the unexpected incident with a Soviet submarine, Sweden experienced a series of mysterious submarine intrusions, which were later found to be orchestrated by Western powers rather than the Soviet Union. Through classified documents and testimonies from key figures such as former US Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, Tunander uncovers the strategic aims behind these operations. The book reveals how these secret activities aimed to manipulate Swedish perceptions of the Soviet threat, significantly impacting public opinion during the Cold War.