The globalised world that we can see today bear with it many threats thus states must constantly keep up with developments to address these threats. This dissertation evaluates Sweden’s militärstrategisk doktrin 2012 and operativ doktrin 2014 as a general example for small states in their defence against fourth generation warfare (4GW). The overall aim is to endeavour to determine if the doctrines meet the criteria and are prepared for the threats that come with 4GW, but also the integration between both management levels which the doctrines represents is mentioned to be of utmost importance.
To succeed in facing the threats of the 4GW, it is according to the theory of the subject important to meet six criteria: Maneuver warfare, legitimacy, synergy, people, network and communications. This dissertation shows that Sweden meets the criteria and has an integration between both doctrines which represents the strategic and operational management levels. In addition to this, the study also shows the difference in objectives for these management levels which the study was not aimed at from the beginning.
The method that has been used is a qualitative content analysis where the criteria are based on the theory which has been the basis for the analysis that could answer the research questions.