If Crisis or War Comes: A Study of Risk Communication of Eight European Union Member States (original) (raw)

Abstract

How do European Union (EU) member states communicate risks to their citizens? In this study, we define risk communication as the information provided by different levels of government to citizens regarding possible future crises to which the general public might be subjected. We seek to answer the following questions: Are there any patterns in the risk communication strategies among EU member states in terms of the sender of information, the message conveyed, the method used, and the intended audience? Finally, to what extent is the state involved in ensuring the safety of its citizens? To tackle these questions, we examine the risk communication strategy of eight countries: Sweden, Finland, Germany, England, France, Estonia, Greece, and Cyprus. Our data consist of governmental web sites, publications, campaigns, and other modes of communication, such as videos posted on YouTube, with questions centering on institutional actors, methods of delivery, content, and effectiveness. We fi...

Key takeaways

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  1. Risk communication varies significantly across eight EU member states based on their administrative systems.
  2. The study examines how state actors communicate risks to citizens during crises.
  3. Countries use diverse methods, including apps and social media, to disseminate risk information.
  4. Estonia conducted over 17,000 home consultations in 2016 to enhance public safety awareness.
  5. Risk communication policies reflect historical and geographical contexts, influencing public preparedness strategies.

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