Sweden’s Restrictive Turn in Migration Policy : A Discourse Analysis of the European Perception

This research seeks to identify EU perceptions and attitudes toward the recent shift in Sweden’s migration policy toward tighter immigration policies. The foundation of this research is to explore how the traditional image of Sweden has changed over time in line with new migration policies adopted by a far-right influenced government. The hypothesis is that its welfare-state perception affects major partners such as the EU. By offering insight into the shifting narratives in Sweden through a critical discourse analysis (CDA), this study aims to contribute to the field of International Relations (IR) by examining how European oriented media is a power actor that shapes societal structures, power dynamics and norms in political affairs.