'We must protect both security and freedom'

Police counterterrorism work examined in new thesis

Susanna Bellander has been a police officer for 15 years and has worked as an investigator of serious crimes and intelligence operations, as well as with terrorism and counter-terrorism, both operationally and strategically. In her research, she has combined document analysis, interviews with police employees in 2022 and 2025, and a national survey study following the terrorist attack in Stockholm in 2017.

The results show that security measures are often prioritised at the expense of preventive efforts and democracy-building work. According to Susanna Bellander, there is a clear imbalance, with reactive measures being given better conditions for implementation than democracy-building efforts.

"As a police officer, I have seen the need for strong measures in critical situations. As a researcher, I have learned that long-term security requires something more - a constant awareness of what we risk losing if democracy is compromised in the name of protection," says Susanna Bellander.

Vulnerable members of society are hit harder

Research also shows that people with a low quality of life, or a weak sense of belonging to Swedish society, are hit harder by fear and reduced trust in the wake of terrorist attacks. This points to the need for inclusive strategies that strengthen the resilience of society as a whole - not just protect against threats. The thesis argues that effective counter-terrorism must be proportionate, responsible and integrated - with a focus on both protection and rights.

Susanna Bellander has defended her thesis at the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, which she believes is obvious:

"Terrorism has a profound impact on people's health - from direct victims to emergency services personnel, witnesses and society as a whole. Counterterrorism also has extensive health aspects that are important to study."