In a short time, Sweden changes: from a non-aligned state to a NATO country. There is a lot of talk about militaries and war. The peace movement, on the other hand, is not noticed and heard much. But contrary to what one might think, the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association has gained more members since the Ukraine war started.
On the last December 2020, the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association had 6,300 members. On the same date in 2024, the number of members had more than doubled, to 12,862.
The vast majority who joined are pensioners. Göran Lundgren, who is part of the local group in Sundsvall, is one of them. It was the Ukraine war that made him join the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Association. Suddenly the risk of war crept closer to Sweden and closer to his own grandchildren.
– No, I don’t want them to go to war and fight. And then you find out that there are several grandchildren, several children. Perhaps that is why this generation is getting involved in peace issues.
Göran Lundgren has done the dirty work himself, and despite his involvement in the peace movement, claims to have an understanding of the military.
– But I do not accept this belligerence. This is dangerous.