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.

Jacob Westberg's research lies at the intersection of history, security policy and military strategy. He has a longstanding interest in how Sweden and the other Nordic countries have developed their defence strategies, and how the circumstances facing smaller states differ from those of major powers. His current research brings these perspectives together to explore opportunities for closer defence cooperation between Northern European countries.

“My aim is to contribute knowledge that can be put to practical use in integrating Swedish defence planning into NATO's collective defence”, says Jacob Westberg.

An early interest in history and politics

His interest in Swedish political history began during his primary school years. When he began his university studies, he already knew he wanted to pursue a career in research. He chose political science because it offered theories and analytical frameworks that could help him better understand historical and political developments. After studying at Uppsala University, he continued to Stockholm University, where he completed his PhD in political science in 2004.

Over time, his research became increasingly closely linked to his teaching. When he found that there was a lack of course literature combining theories of international politics with examples from Sweden and the Nordic countries, he decided to write the books himself.

“Several of my books have grown out of my teaching. I needed course literature that both presented a theoretical framework and applied it to Sweden and the other Nordic countries.”

From political science to war studies

In 2008, Jacob Westberg joined the Swedish Defence University, where several of his former colleagues were already working. He helped develop the first version of the University's civilian Bachelor's programme in political science, but soon shifted his focus towards military strategy and officer education. He also began conducting research commissioned by the Swedish Armed Forces.

Since 2014, he has primarily taught on military education programmes, serving as course coordinator and examiner in military strategy at all levels of officer education. In 2019, he became an Associate Professor of War Studies.

Educating officers remains an important part of his work.

“It is extremely rewarding to be involved in academic education for students who will all have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice.”

Contributing to stronger collective defence

As a professor, Jacob Westberg wants to continue developing research into how small and medium-sized states address their security challenges. He also aims to deepen understanding of the opportunities and difficulties involved when countries coordinate their defence planning. These issues have become increasingly important following Sweden's accession to NATO.

At the same time, he wants to continue making research accessible beyond academia. Through books, media appearances and lectures for government agencies and voluntary organisations, his findings can reach a wider audience.

“What drives me as a researcher is the desire to understand the bigger picture and communicate my interpretations to readers, preferably through books.”