This thesis engages with perception, interpretation, consequences, and management of critique as experienced by members of the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society (SFSF), in the context following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s choice to accede to NATO. The aim is to get an inside perspective in to how the members experience this phenomenon. It does so by employing qualitative interviews, participant observations, and analysis of relevant literature. The grounds for criticism against peace organisations are believed to stem from differing understandings on what peace is, and how it could be achieved, the critique is then made salient through different processes, congruent with securitization of issues. The study contributes to the field of peace and conflict studies as it highlights discrepancies in the understandings of peace and the friction that it creates. The study finds that the members of SFSF finds their opinions and non-violent values are being marginalized as they attempt to problematise the causes and potential solutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and their resistance to NATO-membership. They interpret the criticism as stemming from lacking opportunities for public engagement, suspicion and fear, and non-critical and biased media representations. This leads to the risk of self-censorship, difficulties in transmitting their messages, but also an increase in organisational memberships. The members realise the particularity of the situation and how it affects their opportunities, yet they find solace in beliefs of their current and future importance concerning the ambitions for international peace.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-68292 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Asknert, Albin |
| Publisher | Malmö universitet, Institutionen för globala politiska studier (GPS) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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