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Deep Dive: Palme's Secret Agent (2015)

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Palme's Secret Agent
Palme's Secret Agent covers the covert actions of Olof Palme's Swedish Government during the Cold War, particularly in relation to apartheid in South Africa. The film details how Sweden funneled over US$ 1 billion to the anti-apartheid resistance movement without the knowledge of Parliament or the Swedish public. Central to these efforts was Birgitta Karlström Dorph, a Swedish diplomat who played a key role in the operations within South Africa. The documentary also shows the diplomatic tensions at the United Nations, where Sweden, alongside its Scandinavian partners, advocated for economic sanctions against South Africa. This advocacy led to significant conflicts, particularly with the Reagan and Thatcher administrations, showcasing the complexities of international politics during a critical period in history.

Why Watch

  • •See how Sweden secretly funded anti-apartheid movements.
  • •Meet Birgitta Karlström Dorph, a pivotal diplomat.
  • •Find out about Sweden's clashes with Reagan and Thatcher.

Did You Know

•Olof Palme's government funneled over US$ 1 billion to anti-apartheid efforts.
•The funding was done without the knowledge of the Swedish Parliament.
•Birgitta Karlström Dorph was a key Swedish diplomat in South Africa.
•Sweden's push for sanctions led to bitter arguments with the US and UK.

Perfect For

Cold War historyAnti-apartheid activismSwedish political history