Research projects
Here you can find more information about ongoing research projects at the Swedish Defence University.
Research projects
- Leadership and coordination for civil defence
- Technofascism, feminism and democracy
- Serious gaming for resilience screening
- The importance of psychological safety for safety and intention to leave
- Fortification Conditions: Human Perspective
- Impact of psychological strain on fire and rescue service personnel retention in wartime – experiences from Ukraine
- Follow-up of the Swedish Enlistment Battery (SEB)
- Recruitment, personnel retention capacity and selection system development
- Command supply
- Women in missions
Stories
His research explores how countries can strengthen their defence together
How can Sweden and other Northern European countries work together to strengthen their collective defence? This is a central question for Jacob Westberg, newly appointed Professor of War Studies at the Swedish Defence University. His research examines how countries develop their defence strategies and the opportunities for closer cooperation within NATO.
Is the city ready for everyone when the next crisis strikes?
What happens when a city is hit by a pandemic, natural disaster or other major crisis? And who risks being left behind when society has to adapt? These are some of the questions at the heart of Sonar-Cities, a European research project involving the Swedish Defence University and eleven partner organisations.
How can civilians be better protected in war?
How do multinational military operations affect civilian safety? And what happens to military decision-making as artificial intelligence plays an increasingly important role? These are some of the questions driving the research of Linnéa Gelot, Professor of War Studies at the Swedish Defence University since 1 October 2026.
Understanding war in a hyperconnected world
Why do military organisations often prepare for the wrong wars? And how does digital technology change the way we experience and understand armed conflict? These are some of the questions that drive Matthew Ford, Professor of War Studies at the Swedish Defence University since 1 October 2026.
New book examines the challenges of building peace in Colombia
Ten years after Colombia's historic peace agreement, a new book explores the gap between ambitious peace policies and the realities faced by communities affected by the armed conflict. The book highlights the role of women, Afro-Colombian and Indigenous peoples as well as LGBTQI+ communities in building peace despite ongoing violence.
"Nobel Peace Prize highlights the importance of international law"
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law. According to Associate Professor Nobuo Hayashi, the award comes at a time when international law and its institutions are facing growing pressure.
Social media bots can distort democratic debate
Bots can influence democracy without spreading false information. A new study from the Swedish Defence University develops a framework for understanding how automated accounts can create a misleading impression of which political actors and ideas enjoy public support.
Secrets can push military enthusiasts over the line
How can a strong interest in military secrets become a security threat, even when the people involved have no intention of harming Sweden? David Bergman, an affiliated researcher at the Swedish Defence University, has investigated this question. His research now forms the basis of a new book.
She researches leadership that makes a difference in everyday working life
What makes managers effective, and what increases the risk of destructive leadership? These are some of the questions Susanne Tafvelin explores in her research. Since 1 March 2026, she has been a new professor at the Department of Leadership and Command & Control at the Swedish Defence University.
How great powers create and maintain their influence
Great powers use military, political and economic means to strengthen their influence over other countries and limit the presence of rivals. This is shown by Magnus Hilding Lundström in his doctoral thesis in political science at the Swedish Defence University.