The Welfare State Built on Weapons

Security is a hot topic right now. However, there is much less discussion about what security actually costs—and what it is built on. For over a hundred years, military research has been one of the strongest driving forces behind Swedish industry and innovation. Radar, encryption, and materials technology are just a few examples of technologies that have their roots in defense laboratories.

At the same time, we are living in a new security policy situation. Sweden is a member of NATO, defense spending is growing, and arms exports are increasing. In this panel discussion, which is part of Tekniska's Talbar talks series, we examine Sweden's role as an arms-producing nation – and what it means when defense technology shapes industry, innovation, and welfare. What happens to ethics, responsibility, and democracy when security becomes one of society's strongest driving forces?