Ukraine’s secret weapon: Civil society at war
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In this episode of the NUPI podcast The World Stage, Kate Leschyshyn from the organisation Come Back Alive talks about their work.
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Come Back Alive and other volunteer organisations is an underappreciated, but important factor in Ukraine's fight against Russia. They are a vital part of Ukraine’s resilience as the war enters its fourth year. Come Back Alive enjoys high trust, legitimacy and cooperates closely with the brigades in the field and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
Volunteer organisations show how popular mobilisation works in practice when the whole society wants to contribute to the war effort. As such, they also have important lessons for the Norwegian total defence concept. In this podcast episode we explore the role Come Back Alive and similar organisations are playing, how Norway and other states can increase their support, and what lessons they can hold for the Norwegian total defence concept.
The conversation is led by Senior Researcher at NUPI, Øyvind Svendsen. Introduction by Research Professor John Karlsrud, also NUPI.