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Sammanfattning

The aim of this study is to understand the personal and supportive willingness of young people to defend their country through taking part in total defence efforts. Through examining the reasonings, thoughts and arguments concerning total defence and willingness to defend, the study aims to identify patterns and factors affecting the willingness to defend in combative or non- combative roles. The study is conducted through semi structured interviews with respondents between the ages of 16-29, and the empirical material is analyzed through theory on knowledge and awareness and trust. The analysis finds the willingness to defend among respondents is relatively high, with a majority being willing to take part in total defence actions even when risking their lives, and all respondents being willing to take part when not risking their lives. The young people's reasoning on defence willingness is characterized by an insecurity concerning the role one would play in a hightened state of alert, and a low risk perception. Factors such as being a woman, lack of trust in defence efforts, and a lack of trust in the willingness to fight among the general public are shown to have a negative effect on the willingness to take part in a role where one's life is at risk. Having a prior relationship with the armed forces, either through work, family of birthplace is shown to have a positive effect on the individual's willingness to take part in a combative role.