Why do countries resettle refugees? An analysis of Sweden’s commitment to refugee resettlement

Abstract This article examines the motivations behind Sweden’s longstanding commitment to refugee resettlement, contributing to broader debates about state-led humanitarian action and global responsibility sharing. Drawing on parliamentary debates from the 1950s to the 2020s, the study identifies key shifts in how Swedish policymakers have framed and implemented resettlement as a durable solution in collaboration with the UNHCR. Initially driven by labor market needs and humanitarian concerns post-World War II, Sweden’s policy shifted towards more diverse, non-European refugee groups in the 1970s and beyond, showcasing a broader commitment to international solidarity and responsibility sharing. The parliamentary debates reflect a political consensus to support the growth of the international refugee resettlement regime by showing humanitarian leadership and leading by example. The recent 2022 policy shift to reduce the refugee quota signals a recalibration influenced by domestic concerns.