| Summary: | This study in military history provides a deeper explanation of the Swedish military’s proposed counter-operations in case of a russian invasion against Åland in the 1930s. This purpose was fulfilled by answering the central question regarding how a cultural model could explain these proposed counter-operations. Through a qualitative text analysis of Swedish military documents from 1935, on which Keegan’s theory of culture as a vital aspect in the nature of war were applied, the question was answered. The moralic, intellectual and technichal elements that Keegan defines as characteristic in the Western culture, proved to be able to explain the Swedish military’s proposed counter-operations against an eventual russian invasion. To successfully protect Sweden and its democracy from the Soviet Union and thereby the greatly feared communism, the defence of the strategically important Åland was crucial. (Intellectual element) The majority of the Swedish military perceived this as their duty and obligation, as well as something they were willing to risk their lives for. By all possible means and technical systems, even if adaptations were necessary, everything would be done to protect Sweden and democracy. (moralic and technical element)
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