Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark Ready for War as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates
In a decisive move reflecting growing concerns over global instability and the Russia-Ukraine war, Nordic countries are intensifying their civil preparedness measures. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark have all rolled out updated strategies to help citizens cope with potential crises, including military conflict, extreme weather, and other emergencies. These actions mark a significant shift in regional policies and highlight the importance of public awareness and readiness in uncertain times.
Sweden: Expanding Crisis Guidance
Sweden has launched an updated version of its crisis preparedness booklet, In Case of Crisis or War, a detailed guide aimed at equipping citizens with essential knowledge. The publication, which has doubled in size since its last update six years ago, reflects Sweden’s heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Distributed to millions of households, the guide emphasizes national resilience in the face of conflict. A key statement, moved to the forefront of the booklet, declares: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up.” Citizens are advised to stock up on essentials like long-lasting food (including potatoes, carrots, and tins of bolognese sauce), drinking water, and medical supplies.
Sweden, historically neutral, joined NATO in 2023 alongside Finland, marking a major shift in its defense policy. The government is now reviving its “total defense” infrastructure, which had been significantly scaled down after the Cold War. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin stressed that the updated booklet is a response to global changes and aims to accelerate progress toward national readiness.
Norway: Preparing for Self-Reliance
Norway has taken a similarly proactive approach, distributing over 2 million copies of a revised self-preparedness guide to households. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) advises citizens to be capable of self-reliance for at least seven days in the event of crises like war or severe weather.
The guide lists essential items, including long-life food, water, and medicines like iodine tablets for nuclear accidents. It also addresses the increasing risks posed by climate change, such as flooding and landslides. This marks Norway’s second major update to its preparedness guidance, with the first issued in 2018.
Finland: Digital Crisis Readiness
Finland, which shares a long border with Russia and has a history of war with the Soviet Union, has taken a slightly different approach by publishing its crisis guide online. This decision balances cost-effectiveness with the need for flexibility in updates.
The Finnish guide provides detailed advice on managing various emergencies, including power outages during harsh winters with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C. Citizens are urged to prepare by stocking iodine tablets, pet food, easy-to-cook meals, and backup power sources. Finland’s readiness stems from its Cold War-era infrastructure and the belief that war is always a possibility, a sentiment less prevalent in Sweden until recent years.
Denmark: Focus on Basic Supplies
Denmark’s emergency management agency has also taken steps to enhance citizen preparedness. Earlier this year, Danish adults received digital instructions on securing three days’ worth of water, food, and medicine. The campaign emphasizes practicality and aims to ensure that every household can endure short-term crises without external assistance.
Historical Context and Public Sentiment
The recent measures mark a return to Cold War-era preparedness across the region. Sweden’s first civil emergency guide, If War Comes, was published during World War II and updated periodically until the end of the Cold War. Norway and Finland, meanwhile, have maintained a stronger focus on self-reliance due to their geographical and historical vulnerabilities.
However, public attitudes vary. While some citizens welcome the guidance, others express skepticism about its practicality. For instance, residents of small urban apartments may struggle to store large quantities of supplies. Swedish economist Ingemar Gustafsson, 67, recalls previous versions of the pamphlet but admits to not fully adhering to the recommendations.
Despite these challenges, the overarching message is clear: in an increasingly unpredictable world, self-reliance and preparation are critical. Nordic governments are urging their populations to embrace a culture of readiness, whether for natural disasters, power outages, or even the prospect of war.
Regional Unity and NATO Alignment
The coordinated actions of these Nordic nations also underscore their unity and commitment to collective security. Sweden and Finland’s decision to join NATO aligns them more closely with Norway, a founding member of the alliance. Together, these nations are working to ensure that their populations are not only informed but also equipped to handle future crises, demonstrating resilience in the face of an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
