In Sweden, the title of a pamphlet developed into a mantra: “Om krisen eller kriget kommer”-roughly translated, “If Crisis or War Comes”-sums up the history-steeped proactive way that Sweden has built up her civil preparedness continuously changing with the times, from Second World War days to a newly revised edition in 2024, uniquely capturing the Swedish soul-calm, unspectacular, and well-prepared.
Why is Sweden even publishing and sending such a guide to every household? Inside what does the new edition in 2024 carry with it, and what will that tell us about where things stand in the present-day global climate and place Sweden? In this article, we try to look at history and recent updates in 2024, and also in more ways how Sweden takes civilian defense seriously in an increasingly changing world.
A Look Back: The History of “Om kriget kommer”
The story takes off in the year 1943 during the World War. Sweden was neutral, though the threat of war was real so preparedness was a must taken to the frontiers of government. The first “Om kriget kommer” (“If War Comes”) was distributed by the government and instructed the people of the manner in which they were to act in case something happened or there is some sort of emergency.
This practice continued through the Cold War era, when tensions remained high across Europe. During this time, Sweden maintained its policy of military neutrality but understood the importance of a well-prepared population. The pamphlet became a symbol of civil defense, reminding citizens of their role in national security.
But when the Cold War came to an end at the beginning of the 1990s, the pamphlet disappeared. Sweden entered a very long period of peace and stability, and the idea of civil preparedness began to fade from the public consciousness.
The Return of the Pamphlet in 2018
For the first time in more than 50 years, Swedish households again got “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” in 2018. The new revival was not an accident. Everything changed in the global security landscape, and Sweden recognized new types of threats, other than classic military actions.
The 2018 version widened the scope of military conflict to include a range of crises:.
- Natural Disasters: Floods, storms, and forest fires fueled by climate change.
- Cyberattacks: Threats to critical digital infrastructure and personal information.
- Misinformation: A growing concern in an era of disinformation campaigns and “fake news.”
- Terrorism: The increasing unpredictability of isolated attacks.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, led the reissue and emphasized that the aim was not to scare people but rather to empower them. The pamphlet became a toolkit for preparedness, encouraging citizens to put together emergency kits, stay informed, and cooperate with their communities during a crisis.
Why Sweden updated “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and the world looks even more complex. Global tensions continue to rise amid regional conflicts, political instability, and growing cyber threats that beset a host of countries. Moreover, Sweden finally joined NATO in a major turnaround of policy.
The updated 2024 version of “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” reflects these realities. Building on the 2018 edition, it introduces critical new elements to meet emerging challenges:
- Geopolitical Tensions: NATO membership places Swedish citizens in a position where they have to understand their role in collective defense.
- Climate Change: More frequent and intense natural disasters demonstrate an increasing need for climate-related crisis management.
- Digital Security: Cyberattacks target infrastructure, businesses, and individuals.
- Psychological Defense: The importance of combating misinformation and mental resilience in this regard.
- These changes reflect Sweden’s commitment to the evolution in its preparedness strategies in maintaining citizens informed and capable during any emergency.
What’s New in 2024 Version?
The 2024 pamphlet introduces several major updates in order to help Swedish households face modern challenges with confidence:
- Expanded Crisis Scenarios: This new edition comprises, among others, significant sections on natural disasters, power outages, and evacuation procedures not mainly dealt with in earlier editions that were focused mostly on war.
- Practical Competencies: It places more emphasis on practical advice, such as first aid techniques-for instance, how to stop heavy bleeding-and emergency evacuation plans.
- Cybersecurity awareness: With the rampant cases of cyberattacks worldwide, some of the tips provided in the guide will help to protect personal and household devices.
- Countering Misinformation: It urges all the citizens to be critical with the sources of information and not spread any rumors during the crisis.
- Inclusiveness: The guide includes advice for pet owners, people with special needs, and tips for talking to children about emergencies.
This new edition is not about survival; it’s about resilience in the face of modern threats-physical, emotional, and digital.
The wider approach to crisis preparedness in Sweden
The pamphlet is just one part of Sweden’s comprehensive civil defense strategy. The Swedes know well that preparedness doesn’t mean fear but readiness, and the government takes active participation in the form of support for its citizens through various initiatives:
- Public Information Campaigns: MSB conducts regular information campaigns to better prepare citizens to handle emergencies.
- Alerts of Danger: Warning signals from Sweden’s system-VMA-allow its inhabitants to take necessary action during emergent conditions, for instance, fires or any hazardous weather.
- Training Opportunities: Many times, local municipalities offer training in crisis preparedness, first aid, and survival techniques.
- Infrastructure Investments: Sweden is investing in the resiliency of its energy systems, communication networks, and transportation to minimize disruptions in times of crisis.
- Engaging “Preppiness” Culture: Compared to most other countries, where “prepping” can be a dirty word, it is essentially practical in Sweden; for every citizen, it would recommend having an emergency package, complete with food, medicine, and backup power.
Is the Pamphlet Something to Fear?
Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: Should Swedes be worried that there is some kind of imminent crisis or war? The answer is no. Sweden is not preparing its citizens out of fear but out of a sense of responsibility.
What the government is trying to convey is this: crises may be there, but preparedness is the factor that makes all the difference. Whether it’s a winter storm knocking out power for a few days or whether it’s a greater geopolitical event, informed and equipped citizens can face such events with equanimity.
Typically Swedish: The approach is balanced. No panic, neither overreaction-just clear, practical advice that empowers individuals to take care of themselves, their families, and their communities.
Lessons to be Learnt by All from Sweden
Sweden’s crisis preparedness strategy offers valuable lessons for people everywhere:
- Preparedness is Empowerment: Knowing what to do in an emergency reduces fear and uncertainty. Simple steps—like assembling an emergency kit and identifying reliable information sources—can save lives.
- Community Resilience Matters: Sweden’s focus on helping neighbours and collaborating during a crisis strengthens society as a whole.
- Adapt to Modern Threats: From cyberattacks to misinformation, the threats we face today are more complex. Being digitally aware and psychologically resilient is just as important as having physical supplies.
- Don’t Ignore the Basics: A few days’ worth of food, water, and medicine can make a huge difference in any emergency.
Final Thoughts: Sweden’s Calm, Practical Approach
Thus, the 2024 reissue of “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” will once more remind that preparedness is not about fear; it is all about self-assurance. Sweden continues to stand at the vanguard, blending historical wisdom with modern solutions in seamless harmony, on proactive crisis management.
If you are in Sweden-or just a fan of the way they do things-take a cue from the Swedish mindset: be informed, be prepared, and look out for your neighbour. Crises may be inevitable, but with preparation, we can face them together.
More Information About the Pamphlet
Click on the links below to download “Om krisen eller kriget kommer” or get more information about the pamphlet:
