Following the war in Ukraine, Sweden is again debating its ban on anti-personnel mines. Military benefits are weighed against humanitarian and environmental consequences. How should Sweden balance defence needs with international law and humanitarian commitments?
This panel takes as its starting point the current Swedish debate on a possible withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty and the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines. The debate brings together humanitarian, military, and legal perspectives, and asks how Sweden should assess the potential benefits and risks of such a policy shift. The panel will discuss what research and operational experience from past and current conflicts can tell us about the military utility of anti-personnel mines, their humanitarian consequences, and the legal implications of changing Sweden's current position. The aim is to support a more evidence-based security policy debate. The key question is not only whether Sweden can use anti-personnel mines, but whether they would strengthen Swedish security enough to justify the documented risks for civilians, land use, infrastructure, and long-term recovery after war.
Participants
- Ulrika Modéer, Secretary General, Swedish Red Cross
- Sally Alexandra Longworth, Senior Lecturer, Stockholm University
- Henrique Garbino, PhD student, Swedish Defence University
- Priscyll Anctil Avoine, Associate Senior Lecturer and Moderator, National Defence University
Read more about the seminar in Almedalen Week's official program