Daniel Poohl
A Swedish journalist who steers the magazine dedicated to exposing racism and extremism, turning research into a shield for democracy.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Swedish writer·Birthday: August 11·Millennials
Biography
Daniel Poohl is not a writer who seeks the spotlight for himself; his work is about amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and scrutinizing those who threaten an open society. As the CEO and publisher of Expo, a Swedish magazine founded by the late Stieg Larsson, Poohl occupies a crucial and often tense position in Scandinavia's media landscape. Expo's mission is to investigate and document racist, antisemitic, and far-right extremist movements. Under Poohl's leadership, the magazine has evolved from a niche publication into a respected research institution, its data and reports frequently cited by mainstream media and policymakers. His calm, methodical approach provides a necessary counterweight to the emotionally charged subjects he covers, making him a key defender of factual discourse in an era of misinformation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Daniel was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Daniel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Daniel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led Expo magazine as CEO and publisher, expanding its influence as a research foundation on extremism in Sweden.
- Oversaw the creation and maintenance of Expo's extensive database on far-right and racist organizations, a vital journalistic tool.
- Has been a frequent public commentator and expert witness on issues of hate speech and anti-democratic movements in Sweden.
Did You Know?
He took over leadership of Expo after the death of its famous co-founder, novelist Stieg Larsson.
Poohl has described receiving threats due to Expo's work, a reality the organization has managed since its inception.
Expo's work inspired the fictional magazine 'Millennium' in Stieg Larsson's 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series.
“Our task is to map, analyze, and counteract the forces that want to limit the open society.”
