By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In response to heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s NATO accession, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency distributed five million pamphlets titled “If Crisis or War Comes.” This updated booklet, advising citizens on preparing for various emergencies including war, natural disasters, and cyberattacks, emphasizes wartime readiness more strongly than previous versions. The initiative coincides with Finland’s launch of a new crisis preparedness website. The pamphlets, available in multiple languages, provide practical advice such as stockpiling food and water.
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Sweden and Finland are urging their citizens to prepare for the possibility of war, distributing pamphlets outlining essential steps to take in a crisis. This isn’t entirely unprecedented; similar preparedness brochures have been released several times since 1945, most recently in 2018, and even earlier editions date back to 1943 and 1952. The current edition, however, reflects the heightened global tensions and Sweden’s recent NATO membership.
The pamphlets offer practical advice, extending beyond simply what to do in a wartime scenario. This new version includes guidance on handling potential terrorist attacks, basic first aid like stopping bleeding, and even crucial instructions on how to protect pets during a crisis – a significant addition based on feedback from previous distributions. The advice emphasizes maintaining a level of self-sufficiency. This includes having sufficient food and water reserves, alternative methods for heating and lighting (candles, lanterns), and dependable ways to receive government information if electricity is disrupted (battery-powered radios). The broader message is one of self-reliance, promoting the ability to cope with various crises, including power outages or supply chain disruptions, not just outright war.
The emphasis on preparedness is not about stoking unnecessary fear, but rather about recognizing potential vulnerabilities within society. Unprepared citizens, the reasoning goes, become a burden on the state during crises, requiring extensive resources and diverting attention from other critical needs. Educating the population ahead of time allows them to mitigate risks and contribute more effectively to a collective response, should a crisis arise. While the context is heightened global uncertainty, the preparedness message itself focuses on broader resilience to various disruptions, ranging from natural disasters to national emergencies.
The decision by Sweden and Finland to distribute these pamphlets is part of a larger trend in Eastern Europe. Countries like Estonia are also actively preparing for potential conflict. This preparedness isn’t necessarily a reflection of an imminent invasion, but rather a proactive measure given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the unpredictable nature of international relations. The brochures serve as a reminder that even in times of relative peace, having a plan and basic preparations in place is crucial. Indeed, the pamphlet explicitly addresses the possibility of disinformation, advising citizens to view any claims of cessation of resistance as immediately suspect. This highlights a broader awareness of the potential for propaganda and manipulation during times of conflict.
Many people see the actions of Sweden and Finland as sensible. There’s a recognition that hoping for the best while preparing for the worst is a prudent approach. The observed struggles of Russia in Ukraine, even against a less technologically advanced opponent, raise questions about their capacity to successfully invade a NATO member state with significantly stronger military capabilities. Some even suggest that Russia’s inability to swiftly overcome Ukraine, a nation relying on older equipment and receiving partial support from NATO allies, points to the unlikely success of an attack on significantly more prepared nations like Sweden and Finland.
However, anxieties remain. The current international climate and Russia’s actions have raised fears that these preparations might indeed be necessary. The comparison to other historical conflicts, such as World War I and II, is used to underscore the importance of understanding the subtle signs that often precede broader conflicts. There’s also significant debate regarding the potential for escalation and whether the current situation meets the criteria for a world war. This often depends on the specific definition of “world war” and the evolving nature of global conflict. The possibility of a larger conflict involving major global powers is considered, highlighting the potential for regional conflicts to snowball into something larger. The focus on Finland’s historical strength and resolve in past conflicts also appears in the discussions, demonstrating a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and preparedness. The idea of preparedness extends beyond merely surviving a conflict, but also the broader idea of citizen self-reliance and resilience to a variety of challenges.
Ultimately, the messaging from Sweden and Finland seems to be less about immediate fear-mongering and more about promoting responsible civic preparedness. It’s a practical approach to potentially dangerous times, reminding citizens of the importance of being prepared for a range of unforeseen circumstances, regardless of their likelihood. It’s a call to action, urging citizens to consider their own self-sufficiency and contribute to the overall resilience of their nation. The potential for escalation and the uncertainty surrounding the situation makes this message all the more relevant.