In response to the escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly influenced by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Nordic countries have taken significant steps to prepare their citizens for potential military conflicts. Here’s how:
- Sweden: Sweden has distributed a pamphlet titled “If Crisis or War Comes” to all households, which is an updated version focusing more on war preparedness. It provides guidance on:
- Stockpiling Essentials: Citizens are advised to stock up on non-perishable food, water, medicine, and other survival necessities. The pamphlet suggests having a week’s supply of food, including items like potatoes, cabbage, and canned goods, along with iodine tablets for potential nuclear threats.
- Shelter and Evacuation: Instructions on where to seek shelter during attacks, emphasizing basements or subway systems, are included. The pamphlet also covers what to do in case of nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks, advising citizens to take cover similar to air raids.
- Psychological and Digital Preparedness: There’s guidance on combating disinformation and psychological warfare, stressing that any message signaling the end of resistance is false and should be ignored.
- Finland: Finland has launched a digital platform providing comprehensive guidelines for crises:
- Survival Strategies: It offers advice on how to cope without power for extended periods in harsh winter conditions, including stockpiling easy-to-cook food, pet food, and backup power supplies.
- Military Conflict: The guide explains the government’s response to an armed attack, reinforcing the readiness of Finnish authorities for self-defense.
- Norway: Similar to Sweden, Norway has distributed emergency preparedness pamphlets:
- Self-Reliance: Norwegian citizens are encouraged to be self-sufficient for at least a week, with recommendations to keep long-life foods, energy bars, and iodine tablets at home.
- Climate Change and Other Threats: The preparation also considers natural disasters, highlighting the risks posed by climate change like floods and landslides.
- Denmark: While not detailed in the same depth as Sweden or Finland, Denmark’s approach includes:
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to mentally and logistically prepare Nordic populations for the possibility of war, driven by the changing security landscape in Europe and the specific threats posed by neighboring Russia. The focus is on resilience, ensuring citizens can survive independently in the initial stages of a crisis or conflict, thereby maintaining societal function and morale. This preparation is part of a historical tradition of civil defense readiness in these countries, which has been revitalized due to current geopolitical tensions.