People and Defense is a non-partisan association of over 100 democratic national organizations. Its vision is to create insight into what affects freedom for all of us and peace in our world.

History

People and Defense was formally formed on June 12, 1940. At that time we were called the Central Committee for Voluntary Defense (CFF). CFF was formed because there was a need for an actor who could promote debate and information on security and defense policy. World War II was at the door, Swedish men would soon be drawn into the military organization and the defense of Sweden became a matter for everyone.

When the foundation for the People and Defense was laid, there had long been a skepticism towards the defense within the strongly growing popular movements. However, the increasingly tense world situation led to an acceptance that Sweden was also in need of a military defense in order to defend our democracy. One of those who became involved in the defense issue was Torsten Nilsson, then chairman of the Social Democratic Youth Union. Among other things, Nilsson gave lectures at the War School at Karlberg on "The workers and the defense" at the invitation of the school's then head, Colonel Gustaf Petri. This resulted in the Social Democratic Youth Union inviting to the conference People and Defense in Stockholm's Concert Hall on 15-16 May 1939. The conference was widely supported by both civilian and military representatives.