Can a Handbook Build a Fortress? Taiwan 2025 Civil Defense Plans Put to the Test

Information is a government's lowest-cost tool, but does it actually change behavior? Taiwan's recent island-wide distribution of a civil defense manual suggests that while books don't stop missiles, they can bridge the dangerous gap between official strategy and household readiness.

Evaluating Taiwan 2025 Civil Defense Plans and Public Response

Amid heightening security risks, the Taiwanese government released "In Case of Crisis: Taiwan’s National Public Safety Guide" in 2025. This wasn't just a digital PDF; it was a physical campaign reaching households across the island. The move aimed to standardize basic emergency steps and signal national priorities.

A nationwide survey of 1,200 adults conducted in November 2025 by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) shows the strategy's working—mostly. Respondents exposed to the guide's concrete advice showed a significantly higher intent to take action compared to a control group.

The Action Gap: Kits vs. Habits

The data reveals a striking contrast. People are quick to commit to tangible, one-time tasks like packing an emergency bag or setting a family meeting point. These actions feel achievable once the instructions lower the psychological barrier of uncertainty.

However, the guide was less effective at fostering long-term habits, such as regularly monitoring official updates. This suggests that while a handbook can nudge immediate preparation, building sustained civic attention requires deeper trust and integration into daily media routines.