In Sweden, we’ve been told to prepare for war. But will 21st-century citizens still rally for the common good? | Martin Gelin

For decades, Swedish politics has promoted individual success. Now an official booklet urges us to unite in case of crisis or war'

Swedes are generally not known to panic or overreact. But many of us are feeling a little shaken after a booklet with a soldier in camouflage holding a machine gun, with a fighter jet tearing through the sky in the background, landed on our door mats recently.

The government booklet, titled In case of crisis or war", was sent to every Swedish household as the threat of attack from Russia escalates. It signals the beginning of a new era in our country, with a bleak message about threats from war, natural disasters and pandemics.