For much of the Cold War, Sweden presented itself as a neutral country standing apart from the confrontation between NATO and the Soviet Union. In reality, its strategic position left it acutely exposed to the possibility of Soviet attack, and behind the public policy of non-alignment lay extensive secret preparations for occupation and resistance. Among them was a clandestine civilian network designed to survive invasion, gather intelligence and organise sabotage behind enemy lines.

In this episode of the Aspects of History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast, Paul Burke, host of Spymasters, talks to political scientist Johan Wennström, author of The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians, about the origins, organisation and operation of this secret resistance movement. They discuss how the network emerged in 1949 from wartime preparations for resistance, why it remained under Swedish national control despite cooperation with the CIA and MI6, and how it operated through tightly compartmentalised cells of ordinary civilians.

Johan also explains Sweden’s apparently neutral position during the Cold War, the very real fear of Soviet invasion, the network’s links to the Swedish state and its eventual legalisation in 1955.

Episode Links

The Stay Behinds: Sweden’s Cold War Guardians

Johan Wennström Links

Platform: www.aspectsofhistory.com/authors/johan-wennstrom/

X/Twitter: x.com/johanwennstrom⁠

Substack: johanwennstrom.substack.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/johanwennstrom87/

Paul Burke Links:

Paul on ⁠Spymasters and Aspects of Crime

Website: www.crimetime.co.uk/

X/Twitter: x.com/Paulodaburka

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paulodaburka/

Aspects of History Links:

Website: www.aspectsofhistory.com

Email: history@aspectsofhistory.com