Recent headlines highlight increasing tensions with Russia and heightened hybrid threats to Denmark, prompting the government to encourage citizens to prepare for potential crises independently. Experts suggest that Denmark’s strong community ties and social trust significantly bolster its crisis preparedness.
Tensions with Russia and Hybrid Threats to Denmark
As global tensions escalate, particularly in relation to Russia, Denmark is facing increasing concerns about hybrid threats such as sabotage and cyber attacks. The Danish government has recently issued recommendations for citizens to have personal emergency supplies for at least three days, preparing for potential crises that could arise from these threats.
In an interview with TV2, Kristian Lauta, a disaster researcher at the University of Copenhagen, expressed a strong belief in Denmark’s capacity to handle crises effectively. “I can hardly imagine anyone who is better prepared to deal with crises than Denmark,” he stated. Lauta attributes this resilience primarily to the country’s cohesive community spirit and a high degree of mutual trust among citizens.
The Role of Community in Crisis Management
According to Lauta, the strength of Denmark’s community ties, fostered through various organizations and a culture of cooperation, significantly enhances the nation’s crisis preparedness. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors contributed to Denmark faring better than many comparable nations, despite the challenges posed by increased loneliness among children and young people, the controversial mink culling, and widespread protests against restrictions.
“We managed to cope much better than several comparable countries because we are simply kinder to one another,” Lauta explained. This sense of community not only aids in providing help during crises like the pandemic but also serves to maintain a relatively common understanding of the world and shared cultural values.
Andreas Hagedorn Krogh, an associate professor at the Danish Defence Academy and a coordinator at the Centre for Society Safety, echoed Lauta’s sentiments. In an article published in Altinget, he noted that “communities with strong social networks and close ties to authorities perform better in crises.” Krogh advocates for local communities and municipalities to take on a more significant role in disaster preparedness than they currently do, suggesting that their involvement could mitigate the consequences of potential crises.
He stated, “Without their efforts, the consequences of the pandemic could have been far worse.” In conversations about preparedness, Krogh encouraged the establishment of volunteer community response teams rather than solely relying on individuals to prepare their own households. These teams could be organized by resident associations or homeowner groups and would be responsible for local crisis preparations and role assignments for future emergencies.
“Hence, such organization can help both individuals and communities succeed more effectively in containing, limiting, and mitigating crises,” Krogh remarked, further emphasizing the importance of structured and proactive engagement in community dynamics.
The Importance of Effective Crisis Communication
Effective communication is crucial in managing crises. Lauta asserts that as long as authorities do not resort to dishonesty, even when delivering unfavorable news, the Danish populace can handle “incredibly bad news” effectively. He cited an example of effective crisis communication from June 2021, where two health experts, Søren Brostrøm of the Danish Health Authority and Klaus Birkelund Johansen from the Danish Pediatricians’ Organization, held a joint press conference.
Despite their clear disagreements regarding the vaccination of children, Brostrøm’s transparency allowed the public to trust that no information was being hidden. “This is a perfect example of precise crisis communication. No one could claim afterward that the Danish Health Authority was covering up anything,” Lauta affirmed.
Reflections on the Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Despite the recent lessons learned from the pandemic, some experts feel that many forget the important insights garnered during COVID-19. “It feels as if we started from scratch again the moment the crisis was over and with the onset of the war in Ukraine,” Lauta reflected. Nonetheless, he maintains an optimistic outlook for Denmark’s future.
Having spent nearly 20 years studying disasters, Lauta notes that in the midst of chaos, there are always elements of hope and human resilience. Even when disaster strikes, “essential qualities such as care, love, affection, and communal singing persist,” he explained.
“Hence, as a disaster researcher, one inevitably ends up being relatively optimistic,” he added. In fact, he noted that the term ‘disaster’ itself originates from the ancient Greek word meaning ‘turning point,’ underscoring the potential for transformation even in the face of adversity.
The Path Forward for Denmark
As Denmark continues to navigate the complexities of maintaining national security and managing potential crises, the mutual trust among its citizens and the strength of its community will play pivotal roles. By building on these foundations, along with enhanced local organization and effective crisis communication, Denmark could fortify its resilience against not only external threats but also internal challenges.
With 60% of Danish citizens expressing confidence in local authorities during crises, as highlighted in a recent survey, it is clear that the efforts to enhance community engagement are already having a positive effect. This level of confidence can be crucial in fostering collaboration and a proactive stance toward emergency management.
As the nation strives to innovate its crisis preparedness strategies moving forward, the experiences gleaned from recent challenges will undoubtedly guide future efforts. The ongoing dialogue among experts, authorities, and citizens will continue to shape Denmark’s approach, ensuring that the Danish model of community resilience remains robust in the face of uncertainty.
