Defense Policy

Since joining NATO, Finland and Sweden have become capable NATO contributors, improving its presence in the Nordic-Baltic region and beyond. Despite this, they need to further integrate both their civil and national defence capacities.

Comprehensive defence is carried by society as a whole. A comparative examination of national comprehensive defence approaches within NATO offers valuable insights that are also relevant for planning processes in Germany.

Comprehensive defence encompasses both military and civil preparedness – both of which are inextricably linked. Yet the civilian side continues to lag behind. Three key areas of action show how Germany can close this gap in its security architecture.