Att styra ett hot : Upprustningsbegreppet i svensk dagspress, 1950–1953

This essay examines the concept of "rearmament" and how it was used in the Swedish daily press between 1950 and 1953. The research problem in this study examines how Dagens Nyheter and Arbetartidningen used the word rearmament to shape and construct public opinion regarding Swedish security policy. The theoretical framework of the study is based on Reinhart Koselleck’s concepts of the "space of experience" and the "horizon of expectation", which aim to highlight how views of the past and views of the future were used to navigate different political arguments. The study uses a method of conceptual history to analyze and discuss major events during this period. The findings reveal that there are significant differences between the newspapers. Dagens Nyheter framed and portrayed rearmament in a global context while also describing it as a rational necessity for alignment with the West. However, Arbetartidningen described the rearmament as something that would threaten the Swedish state, and they prioritized social security over military strength. This essay contributes new insights into Cold War research by portraying how the press did more than just report news. This study demonstrates that newspapers were also players in the political landscape and highlights how language was and can be used to shape public opinion.