War may be coming. Are we psychologically ready?

The UK government is urging citizens to prepare for severe disruption in the event of war, with a new "war book" being developed that hasn't been updated in decades. The Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, warns that the threat from Russia makes Britain face the most dangerous period of his 35-year career. Historian Margaret MacMillan explains that the primary threat comes not from tanks but from cyber attacks and disruption of communication cables.

Are we psychologically prepared for war, especially after 80 years of peace? Retired British General Sir Richard Shirreff points out that Europe's mindset has changed significantly, and the idea of war being glamorous has vanished since World War One. Experts argue that the UK, like many European nations, lacks psychological preparation, with authorities not being candid about the looming threats.

There is a growing belief that the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for it militarily and psychologically. However, some experts caution against simplistic thinking, suggesting that we need to view Russia as a threat without reducing the situation to enemy vs. hero narratives.