Balansen mellan demokratiska friheter och nationell säkerhet; En kvalitativ idéanalys av regeringens argument för en ändring i ordningslagen

Sammanfattning

This study analyses how the Swedish government balances the need for increased national security with the protection of democratic freedoms in its argument for an adjustment to the Public Order Act. Through a qualitative idea analysis this research analyses the government's arguments expressed in the committee directive 2023:123 that aims to strengthen security during public gatherings, due to the rising threat of extremism and terrorism. The study is based on the theoretical framework of Allhoff’s and Waldron’s ideas on the relationship between freedom and security and uses dimensions as an analytic tool to analyse and draw conclusions from the empirical material, the committee directive 2023:123. The findings indicate a complex interplay between enhancing security measures and protecting democratic liberties, where the government emphasises the necessity of the adjustment to counter threats effectively while also striving to uphold fundamental democratic freedoms. The analysis of the directive therefore suggests a potential shift in the balance between freedom and security, with a slight tendency towards reinforcing security at the expense of certain freedoms. The government suggests a cautious approach to adjusting this balance, proposing that changes should be proportionate and necessary within the framework of a democratic society. The analysis does not only shed light on the current governmental strategies and justifications but also highlights the dynamic and nuanced nature of balancing security and freedom in legislative processes. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the policy-making process in liberal democracies facing security challenges, providing insights into the ideas of the balances between increasing national security and preserving democratic freedoms.