For several years, a discreet but revealing phenomenon has been developing in Western societies: the rise of the culture of crisis preparedness. Stockpiling food, buying electric generators, setting aside reserves of water or medications, acquiring survival equipment… What used to be associated with marginal groups is gradually becoming a more widespread practice. This evolution reflects a profound transformation in the relationship of Western societies to the future and the stability of the world.
The end of a sense of permanent security
For several decades, a large part of Western societies lived in a relatively stable environment. After the end of the Cold War, the dominant idea was of a world gradually pacified, organized around economic globalization and commercial interdependence. In this context, major crises seemed to belong to the past or only concern distant regions. This perception has profoundly changed in recent years. Several events have contributed to undermining this sense of security. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable economic and logistical systems can be to a global shock. Temporary shortages of certain products served as a reminder that international supply chains could disorganize very quickly. These were added to by growing geopolitical tensions between major powers. The war in Ukraine, tensions around Taiwan, and confrontations in the Middle East have gradually instilled the idea that international stability is no longer guaranteed. In this context, some citizens are beginning to consider the possibility of more severe crises, whether economic, energy-related, or military. This psychological shift largely explains the gradual spread of the so-called “prepping” culture, meaning individual preparation for emergency situations.
Preparation as a response to uncertainty
Contrary to the sometimes caricatured image, crisis preparedness is not limited to catastrophic scenarios. For many enthusiasts, it is above all a pragmatic approach to anticipating disrupted situations. The goal is not necessarily to survive a total collapse of society, but rather to be able to cope with temporary crises. In this logic, preparation can take relatively simple forms: having food supplies for a few weeks, planning alternative energy sources in case of prolonged outages, or organizing communication and transportation means in emergency situations. Some families also equip themselves with first aid materials or water filtration systems. This trend is also fueled by a broader transformation in individuals’ relationship with institutions. In many Western democracies, part of the population expresses limited confidence in states’ ability to effectively manage major crises. The difficulties faced by certain governments during the pandemic have reinforced this perception. In this context, individual preparation appears to some as a form of insurance against uncertainty. It allows for regaining a sense of control in an increasingly perceived unstable environment.
A symptom of a more uncertain era
The rise of the crisis preparedness culture can be interpreted as a broader symptom of transformations in the contemporary world. Western societies are simultaneously facing several sources of uncertainty: geopolitical tensions, economic changes, energy transition, and rapid technological transformations. These developments fuel a diffuse sense of fragility in the global system. Recent crises have shown that unforeseen events can cause rapid and sometimes lasting disruptions. In a highly interconnected world, a health crisis, a regional conflict, or an energy shock can quickly have global effects. Faced with this uncertainty, individuals’ reactions vary. Some continue to trust institutions and collective mechanisms to manage crises. Others prefer to adopt a more autonomous approach by preparing themselves for difficult situations. The gradual dissemination of this preparedness culture does not necessarily mean that Western societies are heading towards an imminent collapse. Rather, it reflects an evolution in the collective psychological climate. In a world where crises seem to be occurring more rapidly, preparation appears to some as a way to reduce anxiety about the future.
In this sense, the development of “prepping” represents less a rupture than an adaptation to an era marked by strategic uncertainty. When the future appears less predictable, the temptation to prepare for the worst becomes a rational response for an increasing part of the population.
