In recent developments, Scandinavian nations have taken proactive measures to help their populations prepare for potential crises, including armed conflict. Starting this Monday, millions of households in Sweden began receiving updated copies of a pamphlet titled “If Crisis or War Comes”, a resource designed to guide citizens on how to prepare for emergencies. The document has been substantially revised and enlarged from its previous iteration six years prior, reflecting Sweden’s concerns about the rising security threats from Russia, particularly following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Alongside Sweden, neighboring Finland has released a new online guide on preparing for incidents and crises. This reflects a growing trend in the Nordic countries to bolster public preparedness amidst a changing geopolitical landscape. Norway has also stepped in with its own guidance, recently distributing a pamphlet that urges citizens to be able to survive independently for a week, in scenarios ranging from extreme weather conditions to war or other significant disruptions. This sense of urgency has become commonplace in the region, and various governmental agencies have taken the initiative to educate their citizens on survival tactics.
This past summer, Denmark’s emergency management agency reached out to Danish adults with important information about essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines required to last through a short-term crisis, specifically a three-day guide. Furthermore, Finland’s digital brochure includes detailed instructions on what the government and military would do in the event of an armed attack, promoting the message that its authorities are well-prepared for self-defense.
In transitional phases, Sweden, which joined NATO as a new member this year, has adapted its civil preparedness messages based on the evolving security situation, a shift catalyzed by the increased threat from Russia. “We have sent out 2.2 million paper copies, one for each household,” stated Tore Kamfjord, from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, highlighting the breadth of Norway’s educational efforts on civil preparedness. While Finland has opted against printing copies for every home citing cost concerns, it has made digital resources available to its citizenry, allowing for easier updates.
The pamphlets distributed by the Nordic governments offer practical advice on survival, outlining necessary supplies like long-life foods and medical items. For example, Norway’s checklist includes iodine tablets for nuclear emergencies alongside other essentials such as energy bars and canned goods. This sentiment echoes in Sweden, where the updated guide encourages households to stockpile food and water sufficient to last for three days.
Historical context is a critical aspect of Sweden’s reactive measures; the original version of the pamphlet “If War Comes” dates back to World War Two, having been revised during the Cold War era. Nevertheless, the current messaging has adapted to a more modern scenario, emphasizing resilience and the reminder that “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up.”
There are evocative reflections on the changes in public perception towards defense and preparedness, especially in light of Finland’s more ingrained military culture, which has been shaped by its proximity to Russia. While Swedes have started to engage more in the concept of war being a real possibility, many, including economist Ingemar Gustafsson, remain calmly skeptical about the urgency to stockpile supplies.
Thus, amidst a climate of heightened awareness and concern, Nordic countries are confronting the reality of potential conflict directly. They are aiming to ensure that their populations are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to navigate crises effectively. With distinct preparations tailored to each country’s specific circumstances and history, these preventative measures reflect an ongoing dedication to civil defense in an increasingly uncertain world.
