In search of Sweden’s lost empathy

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 75% complete by Adnan MahmutovićJanuary 10, 2026 at 02:08 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In a January 10, 2026 article, a Bosnian-Swedish professor at Stockholm University expresses concern about a perceived decline in empathy and tolerance in Sweden. The author contrasts the current climate with 1993, when Sweden welcomed Bosnian refugees during its own economic crisis. The article cites rising racism, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism in 2025, alongside government cuts to development aid and the dominance of the right-wing Sweden Democrats in political discourse. The author worries about upcoming elections influenced by rhetoric focused on expelling criminals and those deemed not to "adapt." The professor expresses a desire for both Bosnia and Sweden to improve, with Sweden regaining its past spirit of empathy.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tehran 30% Iran 30% Central Mosque 40% UN 40% Stockholm 50% Greta Thunberg 50% Stockholm University 50% Sarajevo ×260% Bosnian War ×260% Sweden Democrats 70% Bosnia ×370% Sweden ×890%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Sweden

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).