Organization of the defense system according to the concept of total defense on the example of Switzerland, Sweden and Serbia

Abstract

The authors consider the defense systems of Switzerland, Sweden and Serbia, organized according to the concept of total defense and determined to organize defense by engaging all the resources of society. Total defense represents a rational and integrated form of security and defense organization of the subjects of society. it includes military, civil and other forms of defense and represents a choice of militarily neutral states, as well as those that are part of defense alliances (NATO), whereby a significant factor is the coordinated action of the system component and the development of national logistics. The work seeks to gain insight into perceptions of challenges, risks and threats, elements of defense policy and organization of the defense system by reviewing and analyzing publicly available strategic and other documents important for the security and defense of selected countries. The main hypothesis of the paper is that the organization and implementation of total defense in Switzerland and Sweden can represent good examples for countries, such as Serbia, which strive to organize their defense according to the principle of total defense. Switzerland is a permanently neutral country, while Sweden and Serbia are militarily neutral, although Sweden has applied for NATO membership. Different war pasts, strategic positions, perceptions of challenges, risks and threats, demographic structure, economic development and allocations for defense and other states? characteristics also result in differences in the concept and organization of defense as a whole or by segment. States view security holistically, and defense systems as complex and dynamic systems, dependent on external and internal factors, which requires their constant adaptation to changes in the environment and within the limits of economic possibilities.