The result is higher than in countries such as the USA, where 41 percent said they were willing to fight for their country in a corresponding international survey. Even in the UK (33 percent) and in Germany (23 percent), the willingness to defend is lower than in Sweden.
At the same time, the differences are large in Sweden. 69 percent of the men surveyed were prepared to fight for their country, according to the Som survey conducted by the University of Gothenburg. For women, the corresponding figure was 37 percent.
58 percent responded that they were very or fairly positive towards NATO and an overwhelming majority – 88 percent – stated that Sweden should defend another NATO country if it is attacked.
The national Som survey has been conducted every year since 1986 by the Som Institute at the University of Gothenburg.
The latest was conducted between September 16 and December 30, 2024.
The questionnaire was sent by post to 26,250 randomly selected individuals from 16 years and upwards, living throughout the country. 49 percent, 12,878 people, responded.
