ABSTRACT
Sweden is an interesting case in the international history of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Starting as a nuclear aspirant in the 1950s, Sweden eventually changed its course, abandoned the nuclear option, and rose to become one of the most recognized players in the international game of disarmament. After the signing of the NPT in 1968 and the ratification of it in 1970, Sweden became an engaged voice in the disarmament and nonproliferation negotiations all through the Cold War period. Its neutral position enabled Sweden to play a mediating role between the superpowers and at the same time act as a defender of small states’ rights to influence the ongoing negotiations. Under the leadership of Alva Myrdal, Sweden argued that even the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) must have obligations and make efforts to bring about disarmament. In the final negotiations of the NPT, the NWS agreed to the demand from Sweden and Mexico that the treaty should also contain a disarmament aspect—namely, Article VI. This was considered a success from the Swedish point of view and a strong reason for Sweden to give up its nuclear weapon plans.
