This study explores the paradox in Sweden’s arms export policies, where the nation’s self-image as a “moral superpower” advocating for peace and human rights contrasts with its role as a significant global arms exporter. By applying cognitive dissonance theory, initially developed by Leon Festinger and extended to state behaviour by Robert Jervis, the research paper examines how Sweden navigates this tension to maintain its ethical identity. Through a qualitative content analysis of official government documents and annual reports from 2021 to 2023, the study identifies key strategies to mitigate the cognitive dissonance arising from this duality.

The findings reveal that Sweden justifies its arms exports by emphasising national security, economic benefits, and technological advancements while portraying its strict regulatory framework as evidence of ethical responsibility. The paper also highlights how Sweden adapts its narratives to align with evolving geopolitical realities, including its application for NATO membership, which has further influenced its arms export rhetoric. Despite these efforts, the dissonance between Sweden’s humanitarian values and arms trade practices remains unresolved, reflecting the broader challenges of aligning normative commitments with pragmatic imperatives in international relations. This study contributes to understanding how small states reconcile conflicting values and actions, demonstrating the value of a psychological perspective on state behaviour in global politics.