Some observations:
- The good news is that people are open and ready to discuss the issues.
- There exists a culture of suppression. Politicians do not wish to have a broad discussion; rather, these take place in a closed defence bubble.
- Sadly, there is little trust in delivery by the state.
- We did not come across any big differences between the UK and Germany.
Some very relevant issues came up. A few examples:
- It’s not just about the how. The overreaching issue is what we need to prepare for and what we believe is worth while defending.
- Bringing the state, the private sector, and civil society to the same table is important.
- All generations need to be involved in preparing. Our experience during Covid should teach us that preserving social cohesion is vital.
- Inclusion revolves around encouraging and empowering all citizens through existing communities of choice i.e. civil society.
- The issue of food procurement needs to be included in all plans for preparedness.
- The climate change issue does not go away while we defend our country.
- We must look out for best practices and learn from others, the Baltics, Finland, Norway, and Ukraine in particular, where functioning models of civil defense have been develo-ped and tested.
The way forward to preparedness as we saw it:
- Accept the challenge, do not shy away from it!
- Encourage an informed public debate: Citizens need to be and want to be informed.
- Stop thinking non-specialists/non-governmentals are stupid or should be shielded from discussions on preparedness!
- Involve existing networks, organisations, communication channels, all to be found in civil society organisations!
- Take a closer look at models of democratic involvement – citizens’ assemblies &c.!
- Encourarage learning experiences, both at home and abroad!
- Concentrate on promoting dynamics of resilience rather than on regulations and con-trols!