Nordic Countries Strengthen Civil Preparedness as Russia-Ukraine War Escalates
Amid growing global uncertainty and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Nordic countries are significantly ramping up their civil preparedness strategies. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark have all introduced updated crisis plans designed to help their citizens cope with potential military conflicts, extreme weather events, and other emergencies. These new measures signal a shift in the region’s defense and emergency response policies, emphasizing self-reliance and national resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.
Sweden, which historically maintained a policy of neutrality, has responded to the evolving security landscape by revamping its crisis preparedness efforts. The Swedish government has issued an updated version of its widely distributed crisis preparedness guide, In Case of Crisis or War, which has been expanded and revised to reflect the country’s changing security priorities. The guide, which is now being sent to millions of households across the country, stresses the importance of national resilience and urges citizens to be ready for a wide range of emergencies, including military conflict. A new statement in the booklet asserts, “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up,” reinforcing the nation’s commitment to defense.
Sweden’s government is encouraging citizens to stock up on essential items like long-lasting food (such as potatoes, carrots, and canned goods), drinking water, and medical supplies. The updated crisis guide reflects Sweden’s broader shift in defense policy, particularly following its decision to join NATO in 2023, along with Finland. This marks a significant departure from Sweden’s longstanding neutral stance, as it begins to rebuild its “total defense” infrastructure, which had been diminished after the Cold War. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized that the updated guide is part of an effort to accelerate Sweden’s preparedness for potential crises and strengthen the nation’s defense posture.
Norway has also taken decisive steps to bolster its crisis preparedness. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) has distributed over 2 million copies of a revised preparedness guide, advising citizens to be able to sustain themselves for at least seven days in the event of emergencies such as war or severe weather. In addition to recommending essential supplies like long-life food, water, and medical items such as iodine tablets for radiation protection, Norway’s guide also acknowledges the growing risks posed by climate change, including flooding and landslides. This is Norway’s second significant update to its preparedness strategy, with the first revision taking place in 2018.
Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, has also updated its crisis preparedness measures. The country, which has a historical legacy of conflict with the Soviet Union, has opted for a digital version of its crisis guide, allowing for greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness in updating the information. The Finnish guide provides comprehensive advice on how to prepare for emergencies, particularly harsh winters with extreme cold and power outages. Citizens are encouraged to stock up on essentials such as iodine tablets, pet food, easy-to-cook meals, and backup power sources. Finland’s approach reflects its Cold War-era preparedness mindset, with a longstanding belief that the country must always be ready for the possibility of war.
Denmark has also launched initiatives to enhance citizen preparedness. This year, Denmark’s emergency management agency issued digital instructions to every adult, advising them to secure at least three days’ worth of water, food, and medicine. The guide emphasizes practicality, urging citizens to take simple but effective steps to ensure they can survive short-term emergencies without external assistance. Denmark’s approach aligns with the broader regional focus on self-reliance, underscoring the importance of individual preparedness in the face of crises.
The revival of civil preparedness in the Nordic countries echoes the strategies employed during the Cold War, a time when nations prioritized readiness for potential conflict. Sweden, in particular, has a long history of publishing crisis guides, with its first civil emergency pamphlet, If War Comes, being issued during World War II and updated throughout the Cold War. Similarly, Norway and Finland, with their geographical vulnerabilities, have long focused on self-sufficiency as a core element of their national defense strategies.
Public reactions to these updated preparedness measures have been mixed. While many citizens appreciate the guidance and acknowledge the growing risks of geopolitical instability, others have raised concerns about the practicality of storing large quantities of supplies, particularly in urban settings where space is limited. Swedish economist Ingemar Gustafsson, for example, recalled previous versions of the crisis guide but admitted to not fully adhering to its recommendations. Nevertheless, the overall message from Nordic governments is clear: as global tensions rise, self-reliance and preparedness are critical to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
The coordination between Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark on civil defense issues reflects a shared commitment to national and regional security. Sweden and Finland’s recent NATO membership further aligns them with Norway, a founding NATO member, and underscores their collective resolve to safeguard the region against external threats. As geopolitical uncertainty continues to rise, these Nordic nations are setting an example of resilience and proactive preparedness, demonstrating that in an unpredictable world, being ready for emergencies—whether they involve military conflict, natural disasters, or other crises—is essential for the well-being of their populations.
