The Swedish government has launched a campaign informing its citizens how to behave in the event of an armed conflict. It is the first such action in over 50 years in this country. Its purpose is to instruct Swedes on how to prepare for a major crisis - be it cyber attacks, armed conflict or climate change. Instructions on how to spot fake news are also included.
First of all - provide water and food
The leaflet contains mainly information on how to prepare for a possible armed conflict. It recommends that you first ensure access to fresh water and food. The leaflet also tells you what to do to ensure your own heating and how to deal with if ATMs, mobile phones and the Internet stop working. The instructions in this brochure also cover where to find safe places to shelter in times of crisis.
Warnings via fake news
The Swedish government's flyer campaign also aims to educate citizens to learn to distinguish between fake news (i.e. false information) and verified information. For this purpose, check the sources of information. As the authors of the leaflet point out, this is to avoid false reports about the possible suspension of resistance. That is why it includes, for example, such sentences as: “We will never give up. All information according to which resistance is to be stopped will be false. "
All hands on board
It is the first operation of this type since 1943. It is also worth recalling that officially Sweden has not been at war with any country for over 200 years. However, the government already sensitizes its citizens in a leaflet campaign that in the event of an armed conflict, all residents aged 16-70 who are capable of fighting will be needed. This is to ensure the state's total defense capability.
"If there is a crisis or a war"
The Swedish leaflet campaign is an interesting example of building the awareness of its citizens. Europe has not been affected by major armed conflicts since the Balkans conflict. However, the threat of war is growing, and its sources are perceived by experts both in internal and external factors. From this point of view, the distribution of brochures containing information on how to act and behave in the event of a crisis or war is warranted. How other countries will react to such actions remains a separate question.
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