Darcy Thompson is a PhD-student in Human Rights Studies. Her thesis focuses on the Swedish foreign aid system. At the seminar, chapter 4 of the thesis will be presented and discussed. A text is available for pre-reading. Contact lena.halldenius@mrs.lu.se or Darcy if you'd like the text sent to you.

This chapter situates Sweden as a distinctive case of democracy promotion by tracing the historical, ideological, and institutional foundations of its development aid system. It shows how Swedish aid emerged from bottom-up popular movements, missionary engagement, and grassroots internationalism before becoming a formalised state policy. These early experiences fostered democratic skills, collective organisation, and a strong norm of international solidarity, which later shaped Sweden’s self-image as an activist, principled donor. The chapter examines how ideas of humane internationalism, neutrality, and non-alignment has informed Sweden’s aid foundations and approach. The chapter also maps the gradual institutionalisation of aid through key actors, policies, and administrative structures. By outlining the evolution of Sweden’s aid architecture and highlighting major shifts such as professionalisation, results-based management, and risk governance, the chapter provides essential background for the purpose of the thesis: to analyse how democracy promotion is understood and practised today.