The Swedish government has presented Sweden's first national strategy for psychological defence. The strategy aims to strengthen resilience against, among other things, improper information influence and other forms of hybrid attacks, as well as further develop psychological defence as part of the total defence concept.
According to a press release from the government, the strategy represents the government's first comprehensive approach to the whole-of-society work on psychological defence. At the same time, the government has decided on several agency mandates to implement the strategy.
"Our will to defend ourselves sits between our ears. We are constantly being challenged by states and state-like actors who seek to undermine our confidence in Swedish society. Psychological defence is an instrumental part of the total defence concept, and now the government is launching a comprehensive strategy to strengthen our resilience in the cognitive domain. Sweden and the Swedish population must have the ability to withstand those who, from outside, try to harm Sweden and Swedish interests, including by seeking to weaken confidence in our society and create division within it," says Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin in the press release.
The strategy is based on four areas: work against improper information influence, will to defend, media preparedness and secured means of communication with the public, and international cooperation. In addition, two overarching goals are identified: a stronger, more cohesive psychological defence that is well integrated into the total defence concept, and an enhanced capacity for strategic communication.
At the same time, the government is issuing new mandates to the Swedish Psychological Defence Agency (Myndigheten för psykologiskt försvar), the Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (Myndigheten för civilt försvar), the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten), and the Swedish Defence Conscription and Assessment Agency (Totalförsvarets plikt- och prövningsverk) to implement the strategy.
"The strategy confirms psychological defence as a central part of Sweden's overall resilience. No single actor can meet these challenges alone. Through cooperation, knowledge, and a continued strong focus on reliable information, we strengthen our joint ability to withstand improper information influence," says Director-General Magnus Hjort in a press release from the agency.