Representeras vi? : En kvalitativ analys av den arabiska diasporans syn på Israel-Gaza konflikten

This thesis explores how individuals in Sweden with Palestinian backgrounds or broader Arab diaspora identities experience political representation, trust, and belonging within the Swedish democratic context. The primary focus is on how Swedish foreign policy, particularly in relation to the situation in Gaza, influences the political attitudes, trust in institutions, and voting behavior of these communities. Drawing on theories of political representation, voting behavior, and political citizenship, the study examines how ethnic and cultural identity shapes perceptions of political inclusion and exclusion. The research is grounded in a qualitative methodology and employs semi-structured interviews with participants of Palestinian and Arab descent residing in Sweden. Through thematic analysis, the study investigates participants’ experiences of marginalization, their views on fairness in political decision-making, and the degree to which they feel represented within the Swedish political system. The findings highlight a strong sense of alienation and mistrust toward political institutions, underscoring how foreign policy can impact not only international relations but also domestic political engagement and belonging.