European security is in a transformative era, marked by various challenges, including Russia’s hybrid tactics, the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, and ultimately its full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, European states and security institutions have been urgently modifying their defence policies. A key aspect of this shift has been the (re)emergence of civil defence – in some form or another – as an increasingly important strategy to alleviate the various threats to societies, including that of war. This dissertation explores the development of civil defence in this changing security landscape from a multi-level perspective, focusing on national, regional, and international levels. Covering the period from 2015 to 2024, it examines Sweden’s civil defence policy, compares how Nordic and Baltic countries approach total defence, and analyzes the roles of NATO and the European Union in shaping civil defence efforts. In so doing, it maps the complex and simultaneous security policy processes unfolding across various contexts, while emphasizing the challenges of translating policy ideas into practice. It also evaluates the potential for stronger international cooperation in civil defence, especially within the EU and regional frameworks. Thus, through its four articles, the dissertation offers valuable insights into contemporary civil defence and provides a deeper understanding of how European states and institutions build resilience and enhance security in these uncertain times. Jana Wrange has a background in History and Political Science, with a focus on European Affairs, having studied at Malmö University and Lund University. She was employed at the Estonian Government Office during its EU Presidency in 2017. Her research and teaching interests include security and defence issues of small states and the EU, as well as intelligence analysis.
