Foreign Powers Threatening Sweden
As reported by the Swedish Security Service website, the security of the nation is threatened by numerous illegal intelligence activities and actions of foreign powers that seek to influence and destabilize the country. Among these, Russia, China and Iran are the main actors involved in activities that undermine the political sovereignty and security of Sweden. Their operations range from activities of espionage, sabotage and political influence, aimed at achieving strategic objectives in global geopolitical contexts.
Russian Security Activities: An Increasingly Dangerous Offensive
Russia is considered the greatest threat to Sweden's security. Despite Sweden's strengthening of its total defense and entry into the NATO treaty, Russia has intensified its intelligence operations against the country. Russian activities are primarily aimed at weakening cohesion within NATO and between Western countries., as well as to hinder Western support for Ukraine and to evade international sanctions.
Russia is particularly interested in theacquisition of Western technology, using Sweden as a transit point to procure dual-use components and technologies. In addition, Russia has developed an increasingly aggressive approach, using sabotage methods and clandestine activities through recruited agents, including among the European population. Such operations aim to create social unrest, reduce Western support for Ukraine and destabilize the internal order.
China's Intelligence Activities: A Long-Term Strategy
China, with its global ambitions, has developed a number of methods to influence foreign states and gather vital information. Its intelligence activities in Sweden focus on the acquisition of technologies,influence on the Chinese diaspora and infiltration into strategic economic sectors, such as defense and technology.
Chinese advocacy in Sweden is directed primarily at the Chinese community, but also at opposition groups and minorities. China is concerned with shaping the country's image in the West, using political pressure to influence policy decisions and public opinion. China-Russian collaborations in various areas, including technology, pose an additional risk to Sweden, as the information collected could support Russia's military capability.
Furthermore, China uses cyber attacks as a tool to collect sensitive data, putting at risk the security of Swedish high-tech companies, including those in the defense sector.
Iranian Intelligence Activities: An Arena of Conflict in Sweden
Iran is active in Sweden with the aim of protecting and strengthening its regime, primarily aiming to protect itself from external threats and evade international sanctions. A key part of these activities involves monitoring and suppressing opposition movements, as well as influencing people in the Iranian diaspora.
In recent years, the Swedish Security Service has detected an increase in Iranian activities, including the use of criminal networks to carry out acts of violence against perceived hostile targets, such as Israeli interests and opposition groups. Iran has also sought to acquire technology and knowledge through Swedish universities and other institutions, in an attempt to circumvent sanctions and obtain dual-use technologies.
Conclusions: The Importance of Continuous Vigilance
The increasing activity of foreign powers in Sweden raises concerns about the country's security and stability. Intelligence operations, sabotage and political influence pose real threats that require a coordinated and timely response from the Swedish authorities. International cooperation, particularly within the context of NATO, and the strengthening of internal security measures are essential to protect Sweden from the dangerous activities of foreign powers.
Foreign powers continue to use a variety of tools to pursue their strategic goals. Sweden will need to remain vigilant and ready to defend its sovereignty while protecting its critical infrastructure, its economy and the security of its population from these emerging threats.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
