Preppers and Preparedness for Disasters: Will the Ukraine War Make Us Preppers?

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Easy bulk purchase in Hamburg: Better to hoard toilet paper than weapons

Photo:

Axel Heimken / dpa

SPIEGEL:

Mr. Genner, preppers are preparing for all kinds of crises. In view of the Ukraine war, is their hour now?

Genner:

Interest in crisis prevention has definitely increased.

In relevant online forums, you can see people asking for help.

“I've never dealt with prepping before.

What do I have to do?” You might read there.

SPIEGEL:

Is that good news?

In any case, the federal government recommends stocking up for at least 14 days – including a first-aid kit, whole egg powder and tablets for drinking water treatment.

Genner:

The idea behind it is that everyone can take care of themselves in the event of a crisis, thereby relieving the task force.

In this way, the state wants its citizens to be part of the collective provision.

Prepping is more about arming yourself against a possible failure of the authorities.

Some assume that in the event of a crisis, they would have to use force to defend their supplies against their unprepared neighbors.

Prepping is also based on mistrust of the authorities and fellow human beings.

This also makes it attractive for political currents that successfully sow mistrust of institutions and the state - such as the "lateral thinking" movement.

SPIEGEL:

Shouldn't the state be indifferent to why someone stocks up?

Genner:

In principle yes.

It's not forbidden to distrust the authorities, and preppers aren't generally observed by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

It becomes problematic where this type of crisis prevention is combined with fantasies of a coup, such as in the case of "Group S" or "Group Nordkreuz".

SPIEGEL:

What is changing as a result of the current war?

Genner:

The feeling of insecurity has increased throughout society, so many people have worries similar to those of preppers.

For them it is about securing a certain amount of control over their own lives and their own future with their comprehensive provision.

If you have food supplies, emergency power generators and water treatment options, you are not dependent on supermarkets or a functioning power supply.

Preppern is about a self-determined life in uncertain times - regardless of the course of history.

SPIEGEL:

Is there likely to be an influx of radical preppers because of the war in Ukraine?

Genner:

My assumption goes in a different direction.

The flood disaster in the Ahr Valley and the consequences of the climate crisis have already changed the awareness of crisis prevention, the Russian war of aggression is now exacerbating this effect: It should become more normal to stock up.

The planned upgrade of the German armed forces and the announced improvement in civil protection will perhaps bring people and the state closer together again.

And even the energy transition could take on a stronger nationalist meaning - because it is no longer about eco-ideas, but about energy policy independence in a new geopolitical environment.

SPIEGEL:

What does that mean for the preppers?

Genner:

So far, many in the scene consider themselves to be a kind of knowledge elite that is ahead of the rest of the population when it comes to overcoming a possible crisis.

But now dealing with crisis prevention is perhaps becoming more common, prepping as a hobby could lose its exotic aura and thus its appeal.

Anyone who would like to find out more about crisis prevention can find information on the current crisis and tips for preparing emergency supplies and emergency luggage on the website of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Management.