In its latest Situation Report for 2024-2025, the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) warns that foreign powers use specific channels and social platforms to spread propaganda, anti-state narratives and disinformation.
The foreign powers aim to increase distrust of Swedish society, fuel polarisation and ultimately increase radicalisation linked to their ideology, warns Säpo. Swedish dissidents, media channels and activists are lumped together with foreign terrorists and allegedly hostile states.
The rhetoric often alludes to perceived or actual injustices and conveys simplified messages without nuance. Certain groups in society are dehumanised, and the messages convey a solution whose logical conclusion often involves violence, according to Säpo.
Swedish Security Police notes that there are individuals in Sweden who have expressed a desire to change (improve?) the democratic system of government by illegal means and through violence.
These individuals can be linked to messages that the state and society cannot lead the country. The report goes on to say that their narrative requires a societal collapse in which they are ready to take power.
According to the Swedish Security Police, the spread of these messages and simple solutions, especially if they become more prevalent and adopted by more people, can have profound effects and undermine basic democratic functions and values. Still, the report itself seems to project simplified images of unwanted foreign nations.
Säpo: Russia, China and Iran are involved in spreading propaganda
Carolina Björnsdotter Paasikivi, Head of the Security Department at the Swedish Security Service:
“We see that primarily Russia, China and Iran are exploiting vulnerabilities in security-sensitive activities related to information security, personnel security and physical security. They act both opportunistically and in the long term.”
The report does not want Swedes to have a different “image” of China:
“There is also a Chinese need to change the image of China in the West.”
Säpo stresses the importance of not adding to polarising events, as foreign powers can exploit these; source criticism and refraining from spreading dubious messages are key countermeasures. On the other hand, Säpo can be accused of the same thing by polarising groups in society and creating hostility towards other nations.
Charlotte von Essen, head of the Swedish Security Service, says that Swedes need to be vigilant against developments that spread anti-state narratives and conspiracy theories, which, in the worst case, can develop into activities that threaten the constitution.
The report states that:
“Foreign powers conduct extensive unlawful intelligence activities in and against Sweden. In order to conduct covert and deniable intelligence and influence activities, foreign powers use agents and representatives in Europe and in Sweden.”
The Swedish Security Police calls for collaboration between authorities and organisations to counter these threats and strengthen confidence in Swedish society’s institutions. It also recommends that society work to maintain confidence in the democratic system and counter the spread of disinformation.
Source: Swedish Security Service 2024-2025
Related: Read more in today’s NewsVoice about the spread of propaganda against foreign powers ( with funding from USAID)