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Sweden Unveils First National Strategy for Psychological Defence

other · 2026-08-05

In October 2024, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency distributed a brochure titled "In Case Of Crisis Or War" to every household in Sweden, offering guidance on food and water preservation. This practice originated in 1943, with the current version incorporating insights gained from the COVID-19 pandemic and Sweden's NATO accession. The pamphlet emphasizes, "If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender." Additionally, Sweden unveiled its inaugural national strategy for psychological defense, spearheaded by Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin, aimed at combating misinformation. This initiative comes in response to years of Russian disinformation campaigns, including a Swedish-language service from Sputnik. Recent threats from Russia have involved cyberattacks and false narratives, such as one concerning King Carl XVI Gustaf. Sweden is also bolstering its security protocols, including establishing a new foreign-intelligence agency.

Key facts

  • In October 2024, every Swedish household received a preparedness pamphlet titled 'In Case Of Crisis Or War'.
  • The pamphlet was prepared by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.
  • The tradition of such pamphlets dates back to 1943.
  • Sweden is now a NATO member, committed to the defence of 31 other countries.
  • Sweden's first national strategy for psychological defence was announced by Minister of Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
  • The strategy's first pillar is 'work against undue influence of information'.
  • From 2015 to 2016, Russian state-owned outlet Sputnik operated a Swedish language service publishing roughly 4,000 articles.
  • In 2022, Sweden's Ministry of Defence established the Psychological Defence Agency.
  • Russian hackers have targeted Swedish digital services and energy infrastructure.
  • Russian media spread a false story about King Carl XVI Gustaf refusing to shake Volodymyr Zelensky's hand.
  • Magnus Hjort is the director-general of the Psychological Defence Agency.
  • Sweden also announced a new foreign-intelligence service (UND), a national strategy for security of supply, and increased access to civilian shooting ranges.

Entities

Institutions

  • Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency
  • NATO
  • Sweden's Institute of International Affairs
  • Sweden's Ministry of Defence
  • Psychological Defence Agency
  • Monocle

Locations

  • Sweden
  • Stockholm
  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Norway

Sources