In Case of Crisis or War: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of the Individual's Role and Responsibility in Swedish Total Defence 1943–2024

Sammanfattning

This study examines the individual’s role and responsibility in Swedish total defence and crisis preparedness. Using securitisation theory, the study analyses how the state has constructed contemporary security threats and defined the individual’s role and responsibility in preparing for and countering these threats. The study combines the securitisation theory with a multimodal discourse analysis to study both written text and visuals in six informational crisis preparedness brochures that were produced between 1943 and 2024. The analysis demonstrates a pattern characterised by collective belonging between individuals, a hierarchical relationship between the state and its citizens, and the individual is preferred to be loyal, resilient and to act in a quick and calm manner in case of a crisis or war.