She examines the intersection between peace and conflict

After her bachelor's degree in peace and conflict studies in Lund, Freja Wehrling felt that she understood half of the perspective – peace and peace promotion actions – but lacked knowledge about how war and conflict function.

Therefore, she applied to the Swedish Defence University and the master's programme in Politics, Security and Crisis.

"My bachelor's degree in peace and conflict studies at Lund University was very interesting, focusing on peace and peacebuilding measures. However, I felt that I was missing the other half of the perspective – the actual conflict, how it is driven and functions in practice. One needs to see the whole picture to make a real difference."

The master's program starts with foundational courses on international relations, theories, and crisis preparedness. Then, during the elective semester, students choose four courses based on their interests.

Advanced Level and High Pace

“Here, you really feel that it is a master's program, with education at an advanced level, high pace, a lot to keep in mind, and difficult exams.”

"Those who want more critical perspectives can choose to study gender courses, international law, or about responsibility to protect."

Freja chose courses on proxy war, intelligence analysis, Nordic defence cooperation and information influence as security issues to complement what she had learned from her peace studies.

"It was very interesting, hands-on, and gave me new perspectives. For instance, in the proxy war course, we had to create our own case with a triadic relationship between a proxy power, the proxy itself, and the target group. I chose the Wagner Group in Mali, with Russia as the proxy power, and had to hold a briefing of my case in the same way they do at the CIA or other agencies that handle this type of information. It was a lot of fun, because there is a different seriousness when it is so practical. I felt like I could work with this.”

Interested in the Government Sphere

Yet, she finds it increasingly difficult to know what she wants to work with.

“As the studies progress and time goes by, I realize how many agencies and organizations one can work for, both internationally and in Sweden, and how many important issues there are that capture interest. Spontaneously, I think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government Offices, the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency, and the Police seem like exciting workplaces.”

When it was time to apply for an internship, she chose to seek an international internship in line with her interest in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and got a position at the Swedish embassy in Paris.

“There, I learned more about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' broad, complex, exciting, and important tasks, but also more about how the EU's work in Brussels functions. It was moreish. I have friends who did their internships at private companies, but I am probably more interested in the government sphere.”

How does the master's program help you reach your career dreams?

"I feel that I gain an extra USP (unique selling proposition)! I've already had a few job interviews, and I get the feeling that the people I meet are very interested in the Swedish Defence University. The name simply carries a lot of weight with employers. You take away the security perspective, the defence perspective, and authority preparedness from here, and it's easier to explain that you are a good candidate for a job when the skills they are looking for are in the actual program description."

The Master's Programme develops analytical ability

Freja feels that she has improved in analyzing different aspects of a conflict.

"For me, the peace aspect has always been important, but it is equally important to look at the actual frameworks that the conflict itself constitutes. I would say that the full-scale war in Ukraine has been somewhat of a litmus test for the doctrine of peace. On one hand, one is against the increased militarization that the conflict brings with it. On the other hand, the armed defence is defending democratic values. The Swedish Defence University is open for one to reflect on these issues. At the same time, the Swedish Defence University trains people who participate in the conflict, so the question is really put to the test here."

Master's thesis linked to Swedish arms exports

She chose to write about how Sweden uses peace in the narratives surrounding our arms export, and thinks that there is a clear division between peace and conflict even in theory.

"I think we need to cross these perspectives more, as studies on militarization have much to learn from peace studies, but despite this, they do not talk to each other."

By studying how values of peace are present in the narratives surrounding Swedish arms exports, she could explore what type of peace the political power in Sweden sees as possible or desirable..

"It was quite a difficult topic to approach because there isn't much research about it. I think that the master's thesis could be a first step."

"The Issue of War and Peace is Politicized and Polarized"

Freja explains that the intersection between peace and conflict is interesting because the two camps are so far apart.

"When I studied Peace and Conflict Studies, not many had a military background. But on the other hand, it doesn't seem like the Swedish Defence University has much insight into the grassroots perspective of the peace movement. Today, the issue of war and peace is politicized and polarized. At the same time, a holistic perspective is required if one is to fundamentally understand things."

How would you describe the Swedish Defence University as an institution, for someone who hasn't studied here before?

"I would highlight that we have teachers and lecturers who have chosen to teach specifically at the Swedish Defence University and who are enthusiastic about the school and the education. They have actively sought to be here. I also feel that there are greater resources here at the Swedish Defence University, and also a different kind of innovation. Here, the seminars are more interactive, and the teachers know your name. You feel that you have their support—and that makes you more confident in your own academic work and writing."

More about the Master's Programme in Politics, Security and Crisis