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Introduction: Terrorism and other complex security threats increasingly challenge democratic states to protect the public while safeguarding fundamental rights. In Sweden, national counter-terrorism strategies emphasise both security and democratic values. This dissertation examines how these strategies are designed, interpreted, and implemented in a democratic context, focusing on the Swedish police and the tensions between strategic intent, operational practice, and their impact on public trust and psychological well-being.

Materials and methods: This dissertation employs a multi-method design across four empirical studies. Study I analyses Nordic counter-terrorism strategies (N=13) to trace shifts in perceived threats and countermeasures. Study II uses semi-structured interviews (N=14) with Swedish police staff to examine the implementation of governmental directives. Study III explores how police personnel (N=16) navigate tensions between security and civil liberties. Study IV analyses national survey data (N=1,996) collected after the 2017 Stockholm attack, focusing on emotional responses, behavioural changes, and public trust.

Results: Sweden’s counter-terrorism efforts reflect a strong security focus alongside a commitment to democratic values. Police employees demonstrate ethical awareness and actively work to balance security with rights. While structural constraints hinder implementation, professional autonomy supports adaptability. Public trust in the police remains high, particularly in crisis response. However, a sustained focus on short-term, output-oriented measures may limit prevention and may gradually weaken democratic safeguards, especially among socially excluded groups experiencing greater fear and lower trust.

Conclusions: National security, civil liberties, and public trust are interdependent pillars of democratic resilience. Effective counter-terrorism must be proportionate, accountable, and integrated, combining enforcement with prevention and civic inclusion. By examining the Swedish context, this dissertation contributes to broader debates on how democracies can address emerging threats without compromising the democratic values they are mandated to defend.