Sweden Distributes War Preparedness Brochure Amid Security Concerns

Millions of residents in Sweden began receiving a brochure on Monday. The brochure explains what to do in case of military actions. Authorities distributed the brochure due to the changing global security situation.

The previous version of these instructions was released six years ago. This new edition is twice as long. The first brochure was published during World War II and has been updated continuously. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden abandoned its long-standing tradition of neutrality and joined NATO.

All Scandinavian countries are preparing their populations for a potential attack after Russia started its war against Ukraine. Governments in Finland, Norway, and Denmark have also issued similar instructions, according to the Russian edition of BBC.

The Swedish brochure is titled “If War or Crisis Comes.” It begins with a statement emphasizing that everyone should help protect Sweden’s independence and democracy in case of an attack. It encourages collaboration with family, friends, and neighbors to enhance defense.

A key message in the brochure states, “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never surrender. Any information stating that resistance should cease is false.”

Authorities also recommend that residents maintain supplies of drinking water and food for at least three days. Essential food items include potatoes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, canned spaghetti sauce, and packets of dried soup.

Sweden’s Minister of Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, previously warned that “there could be war in Sweden,” highlighting what he sees as slow progress in national defense preparations.

How does Sweden’s new preparedness approach compare to those of other Scandinavian countries?

Interview with Dr. Erik Nilsson: A Security Specialist on Sweden’s New Civil Defense Brochure

Date: October 16, 2023

In light of recent global security concerns, Sweden has taken significant steps to prepare its citizens for any potential military threats. To understand the implications and importance of this new brochure titled “If War or Crisis Comes,” we spoke with Dr. Erik Nilsson, a renowned security expert and consultant on defense strategies in Scandinavia.

News Directory 3: Dr. Nilsson, thank you for joining us today. Can you explain the rationale behind the distribution of this brochure to residents across Sweden?

Dr. Erik Nilsson: Thank you for having me. The decision to distribute the brochure is a direct response to an increasingly complex and volatile security landscape in Europe, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sweden’s long-standing policy of military non-alignment has shifted, as has the public’s perception of security threats. The government recognizes the need to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in a crisis situation, which is why this updated brochure is so crucial.

News Directory 3: The brochure is reportedly twice as long as the previous version. What key changes or additional information does it provide?

Dr. Nilsson: The expanded brochure covers a range of topics to ensure that citizens are well-prepared. It offers detailed advice on emergency preparedness, including guidelines on food and water supplies, which are vital during any prolonged crisis. Notably, the brochure also emphasizes the importance of community cooperation—encouraging residents to work together, which is essential for creating a resilient society. The message acts as a rallying cry, asserting the nation’s commitment to its sovereignty and democratic values.

News Directory 3: Can you elaborate on the statement that “we will never surrender”? What does this signify for Sweden’s national mindset?

Dr. Nilsson: That particular statement is significant. It serves multiple purposes: it reassures citizens about their government’s determination to defend the nation, while also instilling a spirit of resilience and unity among the populace. In historical contexts, such affirmations have been crucial in maintaining morale. This is especially relevant in light of recent geopolitics, where many nations are reassessing their defense postures. The commitment to never accept surrender reinforces a narrative of courage and perseverance that seeks to empower ordinary citizens during dire situations.

News Directory 3: Other Scandinavian nations are following a similar path with their own public preparedness initiatives. What does this collective approach reveal about regional security considerations?

Dr. Nilsson: The Nordic countries share a unique cultural and historical bond, but they are increasingly aware of their interdependence regarding security. This collaborative effort indicates that the threat posed by aggressive actions from states like Russia is not isolated. All Scandinavian governments are pragmatically evaluating their defense strategies, and this synchronized approach—issuing similar guidelines for civilian preparedness—reflects a broader understanding of a collective security architecture against shared threats.

News Directory 3: What measures can citizens take beyond what is outlined in the brochure to further contribute to national security?

Dr. Nilsson: Beyond following the guidelines in the brochure, citizens can engage in community preparedness efforts. This might involve participating in local civil defense training or emergency response workshops. Building relationships with neighbors and understanding each other’s strengths can help foster a network of support. Furthermore, staying informed about national and global events, as well as local security initiatives, empowers individuals to respond thoughtfully in crises instead of reactively.

News Directory 3: Lastly, what lessons do you believe other countries can learn from Sweden’s proactive approach to national and civilian security?

Dr. Nilsson: Sweden’s proactive stance serves as an important case study. It underscores the necessity of being prepared for unforeseen challenges—civilian preparedness is just as crucial as military readiness. Countries should consider investing in public awareness and education campaigns to ensure that their populations understand the importance of personal and collective responsiveness. Our interconnected global security environment requires that all nations remain vigilant and foster strong domestic resilience.

News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Nilsson, for sharing your insights. It’s evident that these preparations are crucial for maintaining national security in uncertain times.

Dr. Nilsson: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation to have in today’s world, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.

For more updates on national security and civilian preparedness, stay tuned to News Directory 3.

In Finland, authorities have undertaken similar measures. The country has focused on security and defense for many years, partly due to the historical experience from the Soviet-Finnish War of 1939-40 and its long border with Russia. Finland joined NATO in 2023 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Finland published an updated version of its guidelines for “preparing for incidents and crises” online, relying more on digital formats than printed materials. The section on military conflicts details government and presidential responses to potential attacks. Finnish authorities insist the country is “well-prepared for self-defense.” Citizens are advised to consider self-sufficiency during initial phases of crises.

Finns are also urged to plan for surviving without electricity in extremely cold weather. The government’s “warning list” includes iodine tablets, ready-to-eat meals, and pet food.

Norway also sent out a brochure urging citizens to prepare to live off the grid for a week in case of severe weather, war, or other threats. A total of 2.2 million copies were distributed, ensuring each household receives one.

The Norwegian government recommends keeping stocks of long-lasting foods at home, like canned beans, energy bars, and pasta, along with medical supplies, including iodine tablets for nuclear incidents. The previous brochure was released in 2018, with the new one motivated by increased security threats and climate changes.

Denmark’s emergency management agency announced this summer that it would send information to all citizens about necessary food, water, and medicine supplies to survive for three days in a crisis.