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This thesis examines the large-scale evacuation exercise Operation Stockholm 1961 as a part of the Swedish Cold War civil defense. The analysis is based on two sociological theorical frameworks: technocratic rationality and fantasy documents. These theoretical frameworks are made into ideal types, that are used to analyze what the exercise actually tested and how the exercise was presented to the larger audience.

Methodically the study is a qualitative, theory-guided case study, that uses historical archive data as the base for the analysis. The archive data contains exercise planning documents, public info sheets and press coverage. The emphasis of the analysis is on the planning rationale, understanding the conduct of the exercise and the public presentation of its execution.

The findings show that the exercise was less of a test of the civil defenses’ capabilities and more of a reflection of the technocratic planning rationale, with emphasis on control, hierarchy and processes. This was further exposed by the low level of participants and extra resources plus the lack of actual uncertainty. This was further reinforced by the press coverage, which was mostly positive and redefined the success to underline the competence of the civil defense organization.

The thesis concludes that Operation Stockholm 1961 can rather been seen as a technocratic and symbolic action that produces more legitimacy and reassurance for the citizens than the actual readiness of the Swedish civil defense.