The authors of this policy brief recommend strengthening a “whole-of-society” approach, reforming crisis legislation, investing in strategic communication, education and digitalisation, and ensuring stable defence funding. They also emphasise the ability of the state and society to maintain essential services, coordinate crisis responses and support defence under conditions of prolonged pressure. Building resilience therefore requires systematic preparation not only of institutions and the armed forces, but of society as a whole and of every citizen.
Learning from Ukraine: Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation and Societal Resilience in Czechia
The policy brief focuses on strengthening civil-military cooperation and societal resilience in Czechia, drawing on Ukraine’s experience as a practical source of lessons. Although Czechia has to some extent invested in building societal resilience in the past, several important shortcomings persist, particularly in civil-military coordination, strategic communication, critical infrastructure protection and the involvement of non-state actors. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates the importance of prepared citizens, strong local authorities, digitalisation, resilient infrastructure and an active civil society.