Understanding how NATO’s newest member prepares for the worst

Room 270 Terranga Commons

Carleton University, Ottawa

3 March 2026

1230pm -2pm

Total Defence in the North: Understanding how NATO’s newest member prepares for the worst.

Are our societies ready to handle crisis or war? How can we set ourselves up for successful civil-military cooperation in difficult circumstances? What role do communities, individuals, businesses, and government play in building resilience? The Swedish total defence concept has received much attention and media coverage, but how does it actually work?

Join the presentation by Johan Berggren, State Secretary for Civil Defence at Swedish Ministry of Defence and take part in the discussion with CDSN Co-Director Dr. Philippe Lagassé, BGen Shawn Bindon, Director General Mobilization (Canadian Armed Forces) on preparedness, threat perceptions and civic readiness in Sweden and Canada. Mr Berggren will share Swedish perspectives and Mr Lagassé and BGen Bindon will bring the Canadian context to the table. The speakers will take questions from the audience.

The discussion will be followed by coffee and a light lunch.

This event is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in Canada and the Canadian Defence and Security Network.