Examining Resilience in Crisis
Standing in a city ravaged by war—I’ve seen it on numerous deployments—I can attest to the widespread destruction that goes beyond physical damage. Communities often suffer from the collapse of essential services like water, power, food, and education.
This underscores that resilience isn’t just an idea. It represents the gap between chaos and recovery. Shockingly, in 2023, over 20 million Americans will have spent at least a month without government-provided essentials like water or electricity, more than double the figure from 2017.
This isn’t merely a result of government mandates but rather a growing anxiety about its failures. Throughout the globe, conversations are increasingly focused on civil defense and readiness, considering threats that include health, the economy, energy, and various aspects of community life.
Civilians have a crucial role to play instead of waiting passively for government assistance.
Spotting the Weaknesses
Back in 2019, Quinton Lucey, a former FEMA attorney, published a critical piece in the journal Homeland Security Affairs. He stated that the U.S. currently lacks the framework necessary for civil defense, which is fundamental to national resilience. He emphasized that the U.S. “lacks a comprehensive strategy and support program to protect the American people in times of war.” Recently, retired Air Force General Glenn D. VanHerck echoed similar sentiments, indicating that the U.S. must be prepared to “take a punch in the nose…and come out swinging,” whether the challenge is cyber-related or conventional.
Comprehensive plans are essential. Executive Order 12656 outlines a whole-of-government strategy for various national security emergencies. NATO’s 1949 treaty also highlights the focus on maintaining essential services and military support during crises, implicitly urging individuals to prepare not just for war but also for natural disasters and economic downturns.
Although non-binding, the 2020 NATO NSHQ Comprehensive Defense Handbook argues that “resilience is a foundation built on the foundations of society as a whole.” It emphasizes that resilience is cultivated through citizen preparedness and proactive risk management before crises arise. Simply put, robust nations require equally strong individuals and communities.
Facing Threats Head-On
One significant threat is food security. For instance, food banks near military installations reported a staggering increase from 30% to 75% in the number of military families relying on them during U.S. government shutdowns. As of now, 42 million Americans depend on food stamps, while leaders like Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth advocate for strengthening national health. A report from the UK National Preparedness Board found that civilian food resilience is alarmingly fragile, with many populations woefully unprepared.
Public utility failures like those in water and electricity systems also raise alarms. In October 2025, a former NSA commander warned that China is actively targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, a tactic aligned with China’s “three-war” strategy, which complicates and exhausts its adversaries through psychological and legal warfare.
Leaders are not idle. President Trump has voiced support for bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. Discussions around onshoring and friend-shoring have gained traction, influenced by the availability of key materials and shifting regulatory landscapes. The military is enhancing its energy resilience, with plans for small nuclear reactors at numerous bases by 2028 and reclaiming the “right to repair” in contracts.
Major corporations are also stepping in. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, recently introduced a hefty $1.5 trillion strategy to bolster the economy, viewing it as a national security imperative. Meanwhile, investment strategies such as allocating 15% of a portfolio to gold are being promoted by figures like billionaire Ray Dalio in light of anticipated inflation due to likely Federal Reserve rate cuts. Investments are also being made in developing resilient communities, as evidenced by California Forever’s Jan Slamek dedicating hundreds of millions toward this goal.
Global Perspectives on Resilience
This isn’t just a U.S. issue. Take Latvia, for example. Its ongoing National Defense Initiative employs a comprehensive strategy aimed at numerous risks—ranging from accidents and pandemics to wars and cyber threats. The initiative emphasizes the importance of civic involvement, physical fitness, and patriotism within the community’s defense framework.
Germany is also pivoting towards civil defense, allocating €10 billion for protective measures by 2029. Many citizens in Poland are losing faith in government efforts and are turning towards building their own bunkers, sometimes struggling to establish effective neighborhood defense groups.
Actions for Resilient Citizens
What can we glean from all this? First, preparation is neither overkill nor irrational—it’s part of a larger global movement engaging everyone from everyday people to politicians and billionaires. Second, no universal solution exists; resilience encompasses various facets of human experience—social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. The frameworks proposed in my book outline diverse paths forward by categorizing resilient individuals into types, from homesteaders to believers. Finally, civilians must take initiative instead of waiting for government solutions. Everyone must recognize their role and responsibility, taking action accordingly. So, will you step up?
