How to prepare for war: In Sweden, even Gen Z with purple hair and nose piercings are ready
Journalist Petra Grijzen investigates civilian readiness for war in the three-part documentary series Klaar voor de oorlog, contrasting Sweden's robust civil defense preparations with the mindset in other nations. The program also explores the neurological basis of human behavior under pressure, suggesting that most individuals can be conditioned to act cruelly when following authority.
In the new three-part series Klaar voor de oorlog, journalist Petra Grijzen investigates how prepared modern society is for potential conflict. The documentary highlights Sweden, where the entire population between ages 16 and 70 is actively integrated into defense preparations. This national effort includes the construction of 64,000 bomb shelters capable of housing seven million citizens, with widespread public support even among the younger generation. Grijzen observes these military exercises firsthand to understand how civilians approach the possibility of an invasion.
Beyond physical preparations, the program explores the psychological aspects of violence through the work of neuroscientist Emilie Caspar. Her research suggests that many individuals are capable of committing atrocities under authority, as empathy functions in the brain often decline when following direct orders. During a controlled experiment, Grijzen experiences this phenomenon herself, illustrating the difficulty of maintaining individual moral agency in extreme situations. The series ultimately contrasts Sweden's proactive civil readiness with the lower levels of preparation and public concern observed in other nations.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
