Nordic neighbours release new advice on surviving war

In Gothenburg, Sweden, a new version of a pamphlet titled 'If the crisis or war comes' is set to be delivered to millions of households starting Monday. This pamphlet is designed to provide guidance on how to prepare for and cope with potential crises, including war. The Swedish government has expressed concerns about the deteriorating security situation, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The updated pamphlet is larger than its predecessor and contains crucial information for the public. Finland, Sweden's neighboring country, has also recently published its own advice online regarding how to prepare for emergencies. The Finnish government is encouraging its citizens to be ready to manage independently for a week in the event of extreme weather, war, or other threats. In Denmark, officials have been emailing adults with information about the essential supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, needed to survive a crisis lasting three days. Finland's pamphlet includes a detailed section on military conflict, outlining how the government and president would respond in the event of an armed attack, emphasizing that Finnish authorities are well-prepared for self-defense. Sweden joined NATO earlier this year, following Finland's decision to apply for membership after Russia escalated its war in 2022. Norway, a founding member of NATO, has also been proactive in preparing its citizens. Unlike Sweden and Norway, Finland has opted not to print a physical copy of the pamphlet for every household, citing the high costs involved. Instead, they have chosen to provide a digital version that can be updated more easily. Norway has distributed 2. 2 million paper copies, ensuring that each household receives one. The Norwegian checklist includes long-lasting food items and essential medicines, such as iodine tablets, in case of a nuclear incident. An earlier version of the pamphlet was sent out in 2018, but the increasing risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, have prompted a renewed focus on preparedness. For many Swedes, the concept of a civil emergency pamphlet is not unfamiliar. The first edition of 'If War Comes' was created during World War Two and was updated during the Cold War. One significant message that has been highlighted in the new pamphlet is that if Sweden is attacked by another country, the nation will never surrender. This message serves to instill a sense of resilience and determination among the population. Not long ago, both Finland and Sweden maintained a stance of neutrality, but their defense strategies have evolved since the Cold War era. Carl-Oskar Bohlin, Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence, presented the updated pamphlet last month, stating that the global context has changed, and the information provided to Swedish households must reflect these changes. Earlier this year, he issued a warning that there could be a war in Sweden, which was seen as a wake-up call for many citizens who felt that the efforts to rebuild the nation's total defense were progressing too slowly. Finland has always maintained a high level of defense readiness due to its long border with Russia and its historical experiences during World War Two. In contrast, Sweden had reduced its defense infrastructure over the years and has only recently begun to ramp up its preparations. Ilmari Kaihko, an associate professor of war studies at the Swedish Defence University, noted that from Finland's perspective, it is somewhat strange that Sweden needed to be reminded of the possibility of war. He explained that Finland has always recognized that war is a potential reality, while Sweden required a jolt to understand that such a situation could indeed occur. Melissa Eve Ajosmaki, a 24-year-old student from Finland studying in Gothenburg, shared her feelings about the situation. She expressed that she felt more anxious when the war in Ukraine began but now feels somewhat reassured. However, she still contemplates what she would do if a war were to break out, especially considering her family is back in Finland. The guides included in the pamphlet provide instructions on how to respond to various scenarios and encourage citizens to ensure they can initially fend for themselves in the event of a crisis. In Finland, citizens are asked to consider how they would cope without power for extended periods during harsh winter conditions. Their checklist includes iodine tablets, easy-to-cook food, pet supplies, and backup power sources. The Swedish checklist recommends keeping staples like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and eggs, along with canned bolognese sauce and prepared soups. Ingemar Gustafsson, a 67-year-old economist, reflected on his experiences with previous versions of the pamphlet. He mentioned that he is not overly concerned about the situation and takes a calm approach. While he appreciates the information provided about how to prepare, he admits that he does not have all the necessary supplies at home. One of the most critical recommendations is to maintain enough food and drinking water for 72 hours. However, Ilmari Kaihko raised questions about the practicality of this advice for everyone, particularly for larger families living in smaller apartments.