Do images matter? The making of Swedish neutrality: 1834 and 1853

Sweden's decision to choose neutrality as its security policy orientation in the first half of the nineteenth century is explained with the help of image theory. It is argued that a theory focusing on the images of policy-makers regarding self, others and situation provides a better explanation of these strategic decisions than traditional balance-of-power theories. The important role of enemy-images is emphasized, as is the particular impact of images in times of uncertainty.