“Batteries, Power and Postcolonial Echoes: How Sweden Construct the Democratic Republic of Congo” : A critical discourse analysis about power relations: examining how Swedish state and civil society actors constructs the Democratic Republic of Congo in text on mineral extraction, development cooperation and international responsibility.

Sammanfattning

In recent years, the global demand for critical minerals and metals has intensified, putting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a central supplier of these resources that are essential for the green transition. While these minerals and metals are crucial for Swedish and European industries, their extraction is closely connected with conflicts and power asymmetries. Although previous research has been conducted on the political economy of mineral extraction in the DRC, little attention has been given to how Swedish actors construct the country and its role in global value chains. This study therefore introduces a new perspective by analysing how Swedish governmental and civil society actors frame the DRC. This research shows that Swedish actors consistently frame the DRC as a country with instability, violence and weak governance, while positioning Sweden and Europe as responsible and normatively driven actors. The analysis also reveals notable silences, especially regarding Sweden´s own role in driving mineral and metal demand. Taken together, the results demonstrate a discursive pattern that reinforces Eurocentric assumptions while simultaneously opening space for emerging narratives on sustainability and transparency.