Our research

Until recently, a large part of the doctoral research at SEDU was conducted in collaboration with other institutions since SEDU could not award more advanced academic degrees. Recently SEDU was granted degree-awarding powers in the fields of defence, crisis management and security studies, so the university now has its own doctoral program in-house and is able to issue advanced degrees.

The fields of defence, crisis management and security build upon a high level of knowledge and understanding of two core subjects:

War studies - A unique subject in Sweden that is only available at the Swedish Defence University. Research in war studies addresses issues relating to defense planning and doctrines, the creation of military capabilities, the exercise of military power, and warfare.

Political science with a specialisation in crisis management and security studies - Political science research focuses on issues related to foreign, defence and security policies as well as crisis management, crisis preparedness, societal security, and international cooperation.

The Swedish Defence University has a comprehensive approach to total defence and its various elements, offering unique expertise that ranges from military efforts to civilian crisis management.

Collaborative research with other higher education institutions strengthens this expertise and provides a meaningful exchange. Collaborative research is conducted primarily within five research areas, namely:

• International law with a specialisation in military operations
• Leadership under pressure
• Command and control science
• Military history
• Military technology

Basic research provides knowledge and improves our general understanding of complex issues, whereas applied research helps provide solutions to practical problems using this knowledge and insight. Both basic and applied research contribute to improving societal security, and consequently both are conducted at SEDU.

At the Swedish Defence University, research is to a very high degree applied and thus regularly disseminated to students and other actors from relevant sectors, strengthening societal security and thus providing clear benefits for society. In testimony to that, national and international authorities and government agencies turn to SEDU for support in education, analysis, and training activities. Furthermore, our researchers are often requested to provide expert advice of public interest in the media.