ABSTRACT
This paper examines the role of social media technology in shaping public opinion and influencing Sweden's foreign policy shifts towards Syrian refugees during the 2015 refugee crisis. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws from literature reviews and electronic media sources, framed by the theory of freedom of speech, and the concepts of foreign policy and national interest. The findings reveal that the Swedish government utilised Twitter as a communication tool to share policy updates and engage with the public. At the same time, social media became a platform for Swedish citizens to express their views on refugee-related issues. Public opinion, amplified through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms, significantly influenced the transition in Sweden's refugee policy. This study highlights the reciprocal relationship between public discourse on social media and policy-making processes, emphasising the growing role of digital platforms in shaping modern foreign policy decisions.
