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Survivalism
Survivalism
Survivalism
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Survivalism is a social movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists, doomsday preppers or preppers[1][2]) who proactively prepare for emergencies, such as natural disasters, and other disasters causing disruption to social order (that is, civil disorder) caused by political or economic crises. Preparations may anticipate short-term scenarios or long-term, on scales ranging from personal adversity, to local disruption of services, to international or global catastrophe. There is no bright line dividing general emergency preparedness from prepping in the form of survivalism (these concepts are a spectrum), but a qualitative distinction is often recognized whereby preppers/survivalists prepare especially extensively because they have higher estimations of the risk of catastrophes happening. Nonetheless, prepping can be as limited as preparing for a personal emergency (such as losing one's job, storm damage to one's home, or getting lost in wooded terrain), or it can be as extensive as a personal identity or collective identity with a devoted lifestyle.

Survivalism emphasises self-reliance, stockpiling supplies, and gaining survival knowledge and skills. The stockpiling of supplies is itself a wide spectrum, from survival kits (ready bags, bug-out bags) to entire bunkers in extreme cases.

Survivalists often acquire first aid and emergency medical/paramedic/field medicine training, self-defense training (martial arts, ad hoc weaponry, firearm safety), and improvisation/self-sufficiency training, and they often build structures (survival retreats, underground shelters, etc.) or modify/fortify existing structures etc. that may help them survive a catastrophic failure of society.

Use of the term survivalist dates from the early 1980s.[3]

History

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1930s to 1950s

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1950 booklet Survival Under Atomic Attack, a civil defense publication

The origins of the modern survivalist movement in the United Kingdom and the United States include government policies, threats of nuclear warfare, religious beliefs, and writers who warned of social or economic collapse in both non-fiction and apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction.[citation needed]

The Cold War era civil defense programs promoted public atomic bomb shelters, personal fallout shelters, and training for children, such as the Duck and Cover films. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has long directed its members to store a year's worth of food for themselves and their families in preparation for such possibilities,[4] and the current teaching advises beginning with at least a three-month supply.[4]

The Great Depression that followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929 is cited by survivalists as an example of the need to be prepared.[5][6]

1960s

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Basement family fallout shelter, c. 1957

The increased inflation rate in the 1960s, the US monetary devaluation, the continued concern over a possible nuclear exchange between the US and the Soviet Union, and perceived increasing vulnerability of urban centers to supply shortages and other systems failures caused a number of primarily conservative and libertarian thinkers to promote individual preparations. Harry Browne began offering seminars on how to survive a monetary collapse in 1967, with Don Stephens (an architect) providing input on how to build and equip a remote survival retreat. He gave a copy of his original Retreater's Bibliography to each seminar participant.[citation needed]

Articles on the subject appeared in small-distribution libertarian publications such as The Innovator and Atlantis Quarterly. It was during this period that Robert D. Kephart began publishing Inflation Survival Letter[7] (later renamed Personal Finance). For several years the newsletter included a continuing section on personal preparedness written by Stephens. It promoted expensive seminars around the US on similar cautionary topics. Stephens participated, along with James McKeever and other defensive investing, "hard money" advocates.

1970s

[edit]
Oregon gasoline dealers displayed signs explaining the flag policy in the winter of 1973–74 during the oil crisis.

In the next decade Howard Ruff warned about socio-economic collapse in his 1974 book Famine and Survival in America. Ruff's book was published during a period of rampant inflation in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. Most of the elements of survivalism can be found there, including advice on food storage. The book championed the claim that precious metals, such as gold and silver, have an intrinsic worth that makes them more usable in the event of a socioeconomic collapse than fiat currency. Ruff later published milder variations of the same themes, such as How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years, a best-seller in 1979.

Firearms instructor and survivalist Colonel Jeff Cooper wrote on hardening retreats against small arms fire. In an article titled "Notes on Tactical Residential Architecture" in Issue #30 of P.S. Letter (April 1982), Cooper suggested using the "Vauban Principle", whereby projecting bastion corners would prevent miscreants from being able to approach a retreat's exterior walls in any blind spots. Depending on the size of the group needing shelter, design elements of traditional European castle architecture, and Chinese Fujian Tulou and Mexican walled courtyard houses, have been suggested for survival retreats.

A selection of silver American coins. From the mid-1960s to the 1970s and onward, people began hoarding gold and silver coins to build wealth as a means to mitigate the results of a hyperinflation effect on the economy.

Bruce D. Clayton and Joel Skousen have both written extensively on integrating fallout shelters into retreat homes, but they put less emphasis on ballistic protection and exterior perimeter security than Cooper and Rawles.

Other newsletters and books followed in the wake of Ruff's first publication. In 1975, Kurt Saxon began publishing a monthly tabloid-size newsletter called The Survivor, which combined Saxon's editorials with reprints of 19th century and early 20th century writings on various pioneer skills and old technologies. Kurt Saxon used the term survivalist to describe the movement, and he claims to have coined the term.[8]

In the previous decade, preparedness consultant, survival bookseller, and California-based author Don Stephens popularized the term retreater to describe those in the movement, referring to preparations to leave cities for remote havens or survival retreats should society break down. In 1976, before moving to the Inland Northwest, he and his wife authored and published The Survivor's Primer & Up-dated Retreater's Bibliography.

For a time in the 1970s, the terms survivalist and retreater were used interchangeably. While the term retreater eventually fell into disuse, many who subscribed to it saw retreating as the more rational approach to conflict-avoidance and remote "invisibility". Survivalism, on the other hand, tended to take on a more media-sensationalized, combative, "shoot-it-out-with-the-looters" image.[8]

One newsletter deemed by some to be one of the most important on survivalism and survivalist retreats in the 1970s was the Personal Survival ("P.S.") Letter (circa 1977–1982). Published by Mel Tappan, who also authored the books Survival Guns and Tappan on Survival. The newsletter included columns from Tappan himself and notable survivalists such as Jeff Cooper, Al J Venter, Bruce D. Clayton, Nancy Mack Tappan, J.B. Wood (author of several gunsmithing books), Karl Hess, Janet Groene (travel author), Dean Ing, Reginald Bretnor, and C.G. Cobb (author of Bad Times Primer). The majority of the newsletter revolved around selecting, constructing, and logistically equipping survival retreats.[9] Following Tappan's death in 1980, Karl Hess took over publishing the newsletter, eventually renaming it Survival Tomorrow.

In 1980, John Pugsley published the book The Alpha Strategy. It was on The New York Times Best Seller list for nine weeks in 1981.[10][11] After 28 years in circulation, The Alpha Strategy remains popular with survivalists, and is considered a standard reference on stocking food and household supplies as a hedge against inflation and future shortages.[12][13]

In addition to hardcopy newsletters, in the 1970s survivalists established their first online presence with BBS[14][15] and Usenet forums dedicated to survivalism and survival retreats.

1980s

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Further interest in the survivalist movement peaked in the early 1980s, with Howard Ruff's book How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years and the publication in 1980 of Life After Doomsday by Bruce D. Clayton. Clayton's book, coinciding with a renewed arms race between the United States and Soviet Union, marked a shift in emphasis in preparations made by survivalists away from economic collapse, famine, and energy shortages—which were concerns in the 1970s—to nuclear war. In the early 1980s, science fiction writer Jerry Pournelle was an editor and columnist for Survive, a survivalist magazine, and was influential in the survivalist movement.[16] Ragnar Benson's 1982 book Live Off The Land In The City And Country suggested rural survival retreats as both a preparedness measure and conscious lifestyle change.

1990s

[edit]
Logo created by The President's Council on the Year 2000 Conversion for use on Y2K.gov

Interest in the movement picked up during the Clinton administration due in part to the debate surrounding the Federal Assault Weapons Ban and the ban's subsequent passage in 1994. The interest peaked again in 1999 triggered by fears of the Y2K computer bug. Before extensive efforts were made to rewrite computer programming code to mitigate the effects, some writers such as Gary North, Ed Yourdon, James Howard Kunstler,[17] and investments' advisor Ed Yardeni anticipated widespread power outages, food and gasoline shortages, and other emergencies. North and others raised the alarm because they thought Y2K code fixes were not being made quickly enough. While a range of authors responded to this wave of concern, two of the most survival-focused texts to emerge were Boston on Y2K (1998) by Kenneth W. Royce, and Mike Oehler's The Hippy Survival Guide to Y2K. Oehler is an underground living advocate, who also authored The $50 and Up Underground House Book,[18] which has long been popular in survivalist circles.

2000s

[edit]
A town near the coast of Sumatra lies in ruin after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Another wave of survivalism began after the September 11, 2001, attacks and subsequent bombings in Bali, Madrid, and London. This resurgence of interest in survivalism appears to be as strong as the 1970s era focus on the topic. The fear of war, avian influenza, energy shortages, environmental disasters, and global climate change, coupled with economic uncertainty and the apparent vulnerability of humanity after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, have increased interest in survivalism topics.[19]

Many books were published in the wake of the Great Recession from 2008 and later offering survival advice for various potential disasters, ranging from an energy shortage and crash to nuclear or biological terrorism. In addition to the 1970s-era books, blogs and Internet forums are popular ways of disseminating survivalism information. Online survival websites and blogs discuss survival vehicles, survival retreats, emerging threats, and list survivalist groups.

In both his book Rawles on Retreats and Relocation and in his survivalist novel, Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse, James Wesley Rawles describes in great detail retreat groups "upgrading" brick or other masonry houses to that of a security compound with steel reinforced window shutters and doors, excavating anti-vehicular ditches, installing gate locks, constructing concertina wire obstacles and fougasses, and setting up listening post/observation posts (LP/OPs.) Rawles is a proponent of including a mantrap foyer at survival retreats, an architectural element that he calls a "crushroom".[20]

Economic troubles emerging from the credit collapse triggered by the 2007 US subprime mortgage lending crisis and global grain shortages[21][22][23][19] prompted a wider cross-section of the populace to prepare.[23][24]

The advent of H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009 piqued interest in survivalism, significantly boosting sales of preparedness books and making survivalism more mainstream.[25]

2010s

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Television shows such as the National Geographic Channel's Doomsday Preppers emerged to capitalize on what Los Angeles Times entertainment contributor Mary McNamara dubbed "today's zeitgeist of fear of a world-changing event".[26]

After the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the "prepper" community worried they would face public scrutiny after it was revealed the perpetrator's mother was a survivalist.[27] Earlier that year, a double homicide was committed by survivalist Peter Keller, who admitted to killing his wife and daughter in a video diary. He killed himself while evading capture in a bunker he built in Rattlesnake Ridge in King County, Washington.[28][29] Both were cited by The Christian Science Monitor as examples of survivalism being tied to violence.[29]

2020s

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During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization in early 2020[30] and the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022–present), survivalism has received renewed interest, even by those who are not traditionally considered preppers.[31][32][33][34][35]

Outline of scenarios and outlooks

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Survivalism is approached by its adherents in different ways, depending on their circumstances, mindsets, and particular concerns for the future.[36] The following are characterizations, although most (if not all) survivalists fit into more than one category:

Safety-preparedness-oriented

While some survivalists believe in long-term viability of Western civilization, they learn principles and techniques needed for surviving life-threatening situations that can occur at any time and place. They prepare for such calamities that could result in physical harm or requiring immediate attention or defense from threats. These disasters could be biotic or abiotic. Survivalists combat disasters by attempting to prevent and mitigate damage caused by these factors.[37][38]

Wilderness survival emphasis
Astronaut Susan Helms gathers firewood during winter survival training.

This group stresses being able to stay alive for indefinite periods in life-threatening wilderness scenarios, including plane crashes, shipwrecks, and being lost in the woods. Concerns are: thirst, hunger, climate, terrain, health, stress, and fear.[37] The rule of 3 is often emphasized as common practice for wilderness survival. The rule states that a human can survive: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food.[39]

Self-defense-driven

This group focuses on surviving brief encounters of violent activity, including personal protection and its legal ramifications, danger awareness, John Boyd's cycle (also known as the OODA loop—observe, orient, decide and act), Combatives, martial arts, unarmed combat, Melee weapons, self-defense tactics and tools (both lethal and non-lethal). These survivalist tactics are often firearm-oriented, in order to ensure a method of defense against attackers or home invasion.

Natural disaster, brief

This group consists of people who live in tornado, hurricane, flood, wildfire, earthquake or heavy snowfall-prone areas and want to be prepared for possible emergencies.[40] They invest in material for fortifying structures and tools for rebuilding and constructing temporary shelters. While assuming the long-term continuity of society, some may have invested in a custom-built shelter, food, water, medicine, and enough supplies to get by until contact with the rest of the world resumes following a natural emergency.[37]

Natural disaster, prolonged

This group is concerned with weather cycles of 2–10 years, which have happened historically and can cause crop failures.[22] They might stock several tons of food per family member and have a heavy-duty greenhouse with canned non-hybrid seeds.[41]

Natural disaster, indefinite/multi-generational
Artistic depiction of a cataclysmic meteor impact

This group considers an end to society as it exists today under possible scenarios including global warming, global cooling, environmental degradation,[23] warming or cooling of gulf stream waters, or a period of severely cold winters caused by a supervolcano, an asteroid strike, or nuclear warfare.

Bio-chem scenario

This group is concerned with the spread of fatal diseases, biological agents, and nerve gases, including COVID-19, swine flu, E. coli, botulism, dengue fever, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, SARS, rabies, Hantavirus, anthrax, plague, cholera, HIV, ebola, Marburg virus, Lassa virus, sarin, and VX.[42] In response, they might own NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) full-face respirators, polyethylene coveralls, PVC boots, nitrile gloves, plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Monetary disaster investors
Crowd at New York City American Union Bank during a 1931 bank run early in the Great Depression

Monetary disaster investors believe the Federal Reserve system is fundamentally flawed. Newsletters suggest hard assets of gold and silver bullion, coins, and other precious-metal-oriented investments such as mining shares. Survivalists prepare for paper money to become worthless through hyperinflation. As of late 2009 this is a popular scenario.[43][44][45] Many will stockpile bullion in preparation for a market crash that would destroy the value of global currencies.

Biblical eschatologist

These individuals study End Times prophecy and believe that one of various scenarios might occur in their lifetime. While some Christians (and even people of other religions) believe that the Rapture will follow a period of Tribulation, others believe that the Rapture is imminent and will precede the Tribulation ("Pre-Trib Rapture"). There is a wide range of beliefs and attitudes in this group. They run the gamut from pacifist to armed camp, and from having no food stockpiles (leaving their sustenance up to God's providence) to storing decades' worth of food. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are counseled to store up to two years' worth of food and supplies to aid in the event of a natural disaster or long-term economic hardship, such as unemployment.

Peak-oil doomers

This group believes that peak oil is a near term threat to Western civilization,[46] and take appropriate measures,[47] usually involving relocation to an agriculturally self-sufficient survival retreat.[48]

Legal-continuity-oriented

This group has a primary concern with maintaining some form of legal system and social cohesion after a breakdown in the technical infrastructure of society. They are interested in works like The Postman by David Brin,[49] Lewis Dartnell's The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch,[50] or Marcus B. Hatfield's The American Common Law: The Customary Law of the American Nation.[51]

Common preparations

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A Red Cross "ready to go" preparedness kit

Common preparations include the creation of a clandestine or defensible retreat, haven, or bug out location (BOL) in addition to the stockpiling of non-perishable food, water (i.e. using water canisters), water-purification equipment, clothing, seed, firewood, defensive or hunting weapons, ammunition, agricultural equipment, and medical supplies.[2] Some survivalists do not make such extensive preparations, and simply incorporate a "Be Prepared" outlook into their everyday life.

A bag of gear, often referred to as a "bug out bag" (BOB) or "get out of dodge" (G.O.O.D.) kit,[52] can be created which contains basic necessities and useful items. It can be of any size, weighing as much as the user is able to carry.

Changing concerns and preparations

[edit]

Survivalists' concerns and preparations have changed over the years. During the 1970s, fears were economic collapse, hyperinflation, and famine. Preparations included food storage and survival retreats in the country which could be farmed. Some survivalists stockpiled precious metals and barterable goods (such as common-caliber ammunition) because they assumed that paper currency would become worthless. During the early 1980s, nuclear war became a common fear, and some survivalists constructed fallout shelters.

In 1999, many people purchased electric generators, water purifiers, and several months or even years worth of food in anticipation of widespread power outages because of the Y2K computer-bug. Between 2013 and 2019, many people purchased those same items in anticipation of widespread chaos following the 2016 US election and the events leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of moving or making such preparations at home, many people also make plans to remain in their current locations until an actual breakdown occurs, when they will—in survivalist parlance—"bug out" or "get out of Dodge" to a safer location.

Religious beliefs

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The Horsemen of the Apocalypse, depicted in a woodcut by Albrecht Dürer (c. 1497–98), ride forth as a group, with an angel heralding them, to bring Death, Famine, War and Plague unto man.[53]

Other survivalists have more specialized concerns, often related to an adherence to apocalyptic religious beliefs.

Some evangelical Christians hold to an interpretation of Bible prophecy known as the posttribulation rapture, in which the world will have to go through a seven-year period of war and global dictatorship known as the "Great Tribulation". Jim McKeever helped popularize survival preparations among this branch of evangelical Christians with his 1978 book Christians Will Go Through the Tribulation, and How To Prepare For It.

Similarly, some Catholics are preppers, based on Marian apparitions which speak of a great chastisement of humanity by God, particularly those associated with Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Akita (which states "fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity").

Mainstream emergency preparations

[edit]

People who are not part of survivalist groups or apolitically oriented religious groups also make preparations for emergencies. This can include (depending on the location) preparing for earthquakes, floods, power outages, blizzards, avalanches, wildfires, terrorist attacks, nuclear power plant accidents, hazardous material spills, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These preparations can be as simple as following Red Cross and U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations by keeping a first aid kit, shovel, and extra clothes in the car, or by maintaining a small kit of emergency supplies, containing emergency food, water, a space blanket, and other essentials.

Mainstream economist and financial adviser Barton Biggs is a proponent of preparedness. In his 2008 book Wealth, War and Wisdom, Biggs has a gloomy outlook for the economic future, and suggests that investors take survivalist measures. In the book, Biggs recommends that his readers should "assume the possibility of a breakdown of the civilized infrastructure." He goes so far as to recommend setting up survival retreats:[54] "Your safe haven must be self-sufficient and capable of growing some kind of food," Mr. Biggs writes. "It should be well-stocked with seed, fertilizer, canned food, medicine, clothes, etc. Think Swiss Family Robinson. Even in America and Europe, there could be moments of riot and rebellion when law and order temporarily completely breaks down."[23]

For global catastrophic risks the costs of food storage become impractical for most of the population[55] and for some such catastrophes conventional agriculture would not function due to the loss of a large fraction of sunlight (e.g. during nuclear winter or a supervolcano). In such situations, alternative food is necessary, which is converting natural gas and wood fiber to human edible food.[56] The field of resilient food has matured and now there are dozens of options.[57]

Survivalist terminology

[edit]
Main article: Glossary of survivalist terminology
Everyday carry (EDC)

Survivalists maintain their group identity and subculture by using specialized terminology/slang etc not generally understood outside their circles. They often use government/military/paramilitary acronyms such as OPSEC and SOP, and terminology common among adherents to civilian gun culture or the peak oil scenario. They also use terms that are unique to their own survivalist cells/factions etc or even use street slang etc.

Media portrayal

[edit]

Despite a lull following the end of the Cold War, survivalism has gained greater attention in recent years, resulting in increased popularity of the survivalist lifestyle, and increased scrutiny.[2] A National Geographic show interviewing survivalists, Doomsday Preppers (2011–2014), was a "ratings bonanza"[58] and "the network's most-watched series",[59] yet Neil Genzlinger in The New York Times declared it an "absurd excess on display and at what an easy target the prepper worldview is for ridicule," noting, "how offensively anti-life these shows are, full of contempt for humankind."[60] Nevertheless, this show occupies a key position in the discourse on preppers.[2]

Perceived extremism

[edit]

In popular culture, survivalism has been associated with activities of the self-proclaimed "militias" in the United States and elsewhere. Some survivalists do take active defensive preparations that have militaresque roots and that involve small arms, and this aspect is sometimes emphasized by the mass media.[36][61] Kurt Saxon is one proponent of this approach to armed survivalism.

The potential for social collapse is often cited as motivation for being well-armed.[62] Thus, some non-militaristic survivalists have developed an unintended quasi-militaristic image.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in their "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign says that "the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations...rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech...".[63] However, it is alleged that a DHS list of the characteristics of potential domestic terrorists used in law enforcement training includes "Survivalist literature (fictional books such as Patriots and One Second After are mentioned by name)", "Self-sufficiency (stockpiling food, ammo, hand tools, medical supplies)", and "Fear of economic collapse (buying gold and barter items)".[64][65][unreliable source]

Many governmental agencies, like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, recommend everyone have emergency food and water in the case of a natural disaster.[66]

Worldwide groups and organizations

[edit]

Individual survivalist preparedness and survivalist groups and forums—both formal and informal—are popular worldwide, most visibly in Australia,[67][68] Austria (ÖWSGV),[69] Belgium, Canada,[70] Spain,[71] France,[72][73] Germany[74] (often organized under the guise of "adventuresport" clubs),[75] Italy,[76] the Netherlands,[77] Sweden,[78][79][80] Switzerland,[81] the United Kingdom,[82] South Africa[83] and the United States.[23]

[edit]

Adherents of the back-to-the-land movement inspired by Helen and Scott Nearing, sporadically popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1970s (exemplified by The Mother Earth News magazine), share many of the same interests in self-sufficiency and preparedness. Back-to-the-landers differ from most survivalists in that they have a greater interest in ecology and counterculture. Despite these differences, The Mother Earth News was widely read by survivalists and back-to-the-landers during that magazine's early years, and there was some overlap between the two movements.

Anarcho-primitivists (often shortened to "Anprim", "An-Prim", or "AnPrim") share many characteristics with survivalists, most notably predictions of a pending ecological disaster; one of the most famous An-Prims being Theodore Kaczynski. Writers such as Derrick Jensen argue that industrial civilization is not sustainable, and will therefore inevitably bring about its own collapse. Non-anarchist writers such as Daniel Quinn, Joseph Tainter, and Richard Manning also hold this view. Some members of the Men Going Their Own Way subculture also promote off-grid living and believe that modern society is no longer liveable.[84]

[edit]

Survivalism and survivalist themes have been fictionalized in print, film, and electronic media.

The 1983 film The Survivors starring Walter Matthau, Robin Williams and Jerry Reed, used survivalism as part of its plot. Michael Gross and Reba McEntire played a survivalist married couple in the 1990 film Tremors and its sequels. Both of these films were comedies. The 1988 film Distant Thunder, starring John Lithgow, concerned Vietnam War veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who, similarly to some survivalists, withdrew to the wilderness.

Several television shows such as Doomsday Castle,[85] Doomsday Preppers,[86] Survivorman, Man vs Wild[87] Man, Woman, Wild,[88] Alone and Naked and Afraid are based on the concept of survivalism.[89]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Survivalism

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Survivalism is a that anticipates and prepares for different kinds and scales of disasters and disturbances by fostering through skill-building and resource stockpiling. Emerging in the United States during the era amid nuclear threats and economic uncertainties, it draws from earlier traditions of frontier independence and initiatives promoted by government agencies. Core practices encompass acquiring competencies in fire-starting, shelter construction, sourcing and purification, food or preservation, , and basic medical care, often prioritizing these over dependence on external . Advocates stress mental fortitude and for events ranging from natural calamities to systemic breakdowns, with empirical validation in historical cases where prepared individuals fared better during disruptions like the energy crises or regional blackouts. While occasionally stereotyped as fringe or alarmist, survivalism's defining characteristic lies in its pragmatic focus on probabilistic risks, evidenced by sustained growth in communities following real-world vulnerabilities exposed in events such as pandemics and supply disruptions.

Definition and Philosophy

Core Principles

Self-reliance forms the bedrock of survivalism, positing that individuals and families must cultivate the capacity to secure their own , , , , and medical needs amid potential breakdowns in societal infrastructure. This principle arises from empirical observations of systemic vulnerabilities, such as the , which exposed dependencies on global supply chains and led to widespread shortages and economic strain despite no direct warfare on U.S. soil. Survivalists argue that over-reliance on centralized systems—governments, utilities, or commercial networks—invites risk, as these have repeatedly faltered in crises like the 2005 , where federal response delays left thousands without aid for days. Thus, core to the philosophy is proactive skill-building in areas like , , and repair, enabling autonomy even if external support evaporates. Preparedness extends beyond mere stockpiling to encompass versatile, dual-purpose strategies that bolster everyday resilience while hedging against disruptions. Proponents emphasize acquiring non-perishable goods—such as stored grains viable for decades under proper conditions—and tools for self-sufficiency, but insist these must integrate into routine life to avoid waste; for example, rainwater collection systems not only provide emergency but reduce utility bills and promote sustainable habits year-round. This approach counters the fragility of just-in-time economies, where events like the 2021 power grid failure demonstrated how localized failures can cascade into humanitarian crises affecting millions. Empirical data from disaster aftermaths, including elevated mortality from secondary effects like or exposure rather than primary events, underscores prioritizing basics: (one per person daily), caloric intake (2,000-2,500 per adult), and thermal regulation. Mental fortitude and adaptability constitute indispensable principles, as physical resources prove futile without the resolve to deploy them under duress. Survivalism teaches that panic impairs decision-making, drawing from psychological studies showing trained individuals maintain 30-50% higher cognitive function in stress scenarios through prior mental conditioning. This involves scenario planning and drills to foster realism over optimism, recognizing that prolonged disruptions demand rationing and improvisation—skills honed via practices like wilderness navigation or basic field medicine, which have sustained isolated groups historically, as in Arctic expeditions where mindset differentiated survivors from fatalities. While individualism drives preparation, pragmatic mutual aid within trusted networks is endorsed, as isolated efforts yield lower success rates in real-world collapses, per analyses of events like the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Skepticism toward institutional narratives informs the , prioritizing verifiable personal capability over assurances of rapid recovery. This stems from of past failures, where bureaucratic or resource misallocation prolonged suffering, as documented in post-event reviews. Survivalists thus advocate decentralized living—rural retreats or fortified homesteads—over , where population pressures amplify ; data from urban vs. rural outcomes consistently show higher self-sustainment in low-density areas. Ultimately, these tenets frame survivalism not as but as rational , enhancing life quality through reduced vulnerability and empowered agency.

Rationales for Self-Reliance

Self-reliance forms a foundational rationale in survivalism, rooted in the recognition that individuals must secure their own sustenance, security, and shelter when institutional systems falter under stress. Proponents argue that modern dependencies on centralized supply chains and government services create vulnerabilities, as evidenced by supply disruptions during events like the , which led to widespread fuel shortages and . This perspective emphasizes personal agency over collective dependence, positing that self-sufficiency mitigates risks from delayed or inadequate external responses, a view reinforced by survivalist literature advocating minimal reliance on state . Empirical studies on disaster recovery highlight the advantages of , showing that households engaging in self-recovery efforts experience greater dignity, ownership, and long-term resilience compared to those awaiting . For instance, on post-disaster reconstruction indicates that self-directed rebuilding fosters psychological and reduces to prolonged displacement, as seen in analyses of owner-driven initiatives following earthquakes and floods. Similarly, —defined as confidence in one's ability to execute protective actions—correlates with higher rates of preparatory behaviors and better outcomes in natural hazards, according to surveys of affected populations. These findings counter narratives overly reliant on institutional intervention, demonstrating causal links between individual and metrics like reduced mortality and faster economic rebound. In survivalist philosophy, also serves as a hedge against anticipated systemic failures, such as economic collapses or geopolitical conflicts, where historical precedents like the (1929–1939) revealed the fragility of financial networks and the value of stockpiled resources. Advocates, including those in and urban preparedness communities, stress that cultivating skills in , , and basic medicine ensures autonomy amid potential breakdowns in utilities and commerce, as articulated in guidelines from agencies like the , which underscore personal responsibility for self-sufficiency in remote or crisis scenarios. This rationale extends to building interpersonal resilience, where isolated evolves into fortified family or small-group units capable of withstanding isolation or betrayal by larger social structures. Critics from academic and media sources often frame survivalist as paranoid or ideologically driven, yet empirical data from rural zones affirm its practical efficacy, with self-reliant communities exhibiting lower dependency on relief and higher adaptive capacities post-event. Systematic reviews of recovery literature from 1990–2019 further validate elements like faith-based and psychological fortitude as enablers of independent survival, challenging biases in institutional analyses that prioritize state-led solutions over individual initiative. Ultimately, these rationales prioritize causal realism: in scenarios of or chaos, proactive self-provisioning directly enhances probability of endurance, independent of external validation.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Influences (Pre-1960s)

The concept of central to survivalism traces its roots to the experience, where settlers in the 19th century confronted isolation, scarce resources, and environmental hardships, fostering traits of individualism and resourcefulness. Historian articulated this in his 1893 , positing that the frontier process transformed European immigrants into Americans characterized by adaptability and self-sufficiency. This ethos persisted in cultural narratives emphasizing personal initiative over institutional dependence. In the early , the movement formalized training, drawing from frontier traditions and military practices. Robert Baden-Powell established the Boy Scout movement in Britain in 1908, which arrived in the United States in 1910 under , incorporating instruction in , fire-building, , and wilderness navigation to instill in youth. These programs, emphasizing practical for outdoor exigencies, influenced generations with hands-on methods for enduring adversity without external aid. Economic upheavals like the (1929–1939) reinforced self-provisioning practices, as widespread unemployment prompted families to cultivate victory-style gardens, preserve food through , and stockpile staples to mitigate scarcity. During (1939–1945), the U.S. government promoted over 20 million victory gardens, which supplied approximately 40% of the nation's fresh vegetables, cultivating habits of home production and that enhanced household resilience. Postwar anxieties in the 1950s introduced organized measures, with the releasing the 1950 booklet Survival Under Atomic Attack, which instructed civilians on blast effects, fallout evasion, and basic sheltering without specialized equipment, asserting survival odds improved by immediate actions like seeking substantial cover. Complementary efforts, such as the 1951 "" , disseminated nuclear survival techniques to schoolchildren, embedding notions of proactive personal defense against existential threats and laying foundational ideas for later survivalist doctrines.

Cold War Era (1960s-1980s)

The era marked a pivotal phase in the development of survivalism, driven primarily by the pervasive fear of nuclear conflict with the . In the early 1960s, following the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, U.S. President publicly encouraged citizens to construct private s to protect against radioactive fallout, emphasizing individual responsibility in . This led to a rapid increase in shelter construction, with the number of privately built units rising from about 60,000 in June 1961 to approximately 200,000 by 1965. Government programs, administered through the Office of , distributed instructional materials and films like "" (1951, reemphasized in the 1960s) and supported family shelter designs stocked with two-week supplies of food, water, and medical kits. allocated over $169 million in 1961 for public and private shelter initiatives, reflecting official recognition of the nuclear threat's scale. By the 1970s, survivalism evolved beyond immediate nuclear sheltering to encompass broader amid economic instability, including the and with inflation peaking at 11% in 1974. Publications shifted focus to long-term preparedness; Howard Ruff's "How to Prosper During the Coming Bad Years," first published in 1974, advocated stockpiling precious metals like and silver as hedges against fiat currency collapse and promoted rural for food production. Concurrently, advanced practical, skills-based survival through his "The Survivor" newsletter, launched in 1968, which detailed improvised tools, , and weaponry for post-disaster scenarios; Saxon coined the term "survivalist" around 1975-1976 to describe proactive individuals preparing for societal breakdown rather than mere fallout evasion. The 1980s saw intensified nuclear anxieties under President Reagan's arms buildup, prompting some adherents to fortify shelters into comprehensive bunkers with extended supplies and defensive armaments, though mainstream waned as underscored limited survivability in urban areas. This period distinguished survivalism from state-directed by prioritizing autonomous, indefinite self-sufficiency over temporary government-guided protection, laying groundwork for later decentralized movements.

Post-Cold War Shifts (1990s-2010s)

The end of the Cold War in 1991 diminished the prominence of nuclear war as a central concern for survivalists, leading to a temporary decline in the movement's visibility as public attention shifted away from apocalyptic government propaganda. However, survivalism persisted through evolving rationales, with adherents emphasizing personal self-reliance amid emerging threats like technological vulnerabilities and domestic unrest, distinguishing themselves from more politically militant groups that gained scrutiny after events such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. In the late 1990s, fears surrounding the Y2K computer bug catalyzed a resurgence, prompting widespread preparation for potential systemic failures in infrastructure dependent on date-sensitive software, including banking, utilities, and transportation. Survival guides proliferated, advising stockpiles of food, water, cash, and fuel for anticipated disruptions that could last weeks or longer, fostering a cottage industry in preparedness supplies and highlighting modern society's fragility to digital errors. Although the bug caused minimal widespread chaos on January 1, 2000, the episode normalized prepping behaviors and introduced many to survivalist principles, with sales of bottled water and canned goods surging in the preceding months. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks shifted some focus toward urban evacuation and chemical/biological threats, reinforcing skepticism of centralized response capabilities among survivalists. in August 2005 further underscored the limits of government aid, as delayed federal intervention left residents reliant on personal stores and community networks for survival amid flooding that displaced over 1 million people and caused approximately 1,800 deaths. Those with pre-stocked generators, , and endured prolonged power outages and supply breakdowns more effectively, amplifying calls for individual readiness over dependence on official relief. The 2008 global financial crisis, marked by the collapse of major institutions like on September 15, 2008, and a U.S. unemployment peak of 10% in October 2009, propelled scenarios to the forefront, drawing new adherents to survivalism who anticipated , bank runs, and failures. Preppers diversified preparations to include goods like precious metals and , viewing the crisis as empirical validation of fiat currency vulnerabilities and government bailouts' inefficacy in preventing widespread foreclosures affecting over 10 million American households by 2010. Throughout the 2010s, survivalism gained mainstream traction via , exemplified by National Geographic's series debuting in 2012, which profiled diverse individuals fortifying against threats from electromagnetic pulses to pandemics, though often sensationalizing preparations for entertainment. The movement rebranded as "prepping" to distance from fringe connotations, emphasizing practical skills like gardening and firearms training for multifaceted disruptions, with online forums and expanding accessibility beyond rural isolationists. By mid-decade, events like the Fukushima disaster reinforced nuclear risks from non-state actors or accidents, broadening threat perceptions while sales of survival gear rose amid economic uncertainty lingering from the .

Contemporary Expansion (2020s Onward)

The , which began in early 2020, acted as a major catalyst for the expansion of survivalism, exposing vulnerabilities in global supply chains and prompting widespread stockpiling of essentials amid shortages of items like and disinfectants. This event corroborated prepper warnings about overreliance on fragile networks, leading to a surge in preparatory activities. Research published in 2021 linked heightened doomsday prepping behaviors to proximity to cases, psychological distress, and adaptive coping strategies. By 2025, the number of self-identified preppers in the reached approximately 20 million adults, reflecting broader societal adoption beyond traditional demographics. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's 2024 National Household Survey indicated that 83% of U.S. adults had undertaken three or more actions, a sharp rise from 57% in the previous year. Correspondingly, the survival tools market expanded from $1.28 billion in 2020 to a projected $2.48 billion by 2030, with a of 7.1%, driven by demand for gear supporting self-sufficiency. Sustained growth into the mid-2020s stemmed from multiple converging pressures, including post- peaking at levels not seen in decades, which eroded purchasing power and fueled interest in and resource independence. Geopolitical conflicts, such as Russia's 2022 invasion of , intensified commodity price volatility and supply disruptions, amplifying fears of broader economic instability. These factors, alongside domestic and declining trust in institutions, prompted diverse groups—including younger generations and urban dwellers—to pursue off-grid living and rural , with rural applications surging 80% during the era. This contemporary phase marked a of survivalism, with online communities and media amplifying practical skills training, while economic incentives like rising food costs encouraged food production among . Preppers increasingly focused on resilient supply chains, alternative energy, and community networks as hedges against anticipated disruptions from environmental volatility and technological risks.

Anticipated Threats

Environmental and Natural Disasters

![Village near the coast of Sumatra in ruin after the tsunami][float-right] Environmental and natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, , wildfires, and droughts compel survivalists to emphasize , as these events frequently disrupt , utilities, and supply chains, delaying official aid. These scenarios align with bushcraft survival, which prioritizes primitive wilderness skills for long-term living off the land in natural environments, including fire-making, shelter construction from natural materials, foraging, trapping, hunting, and navigation without modern tools, addressing threats primarily from weather, wildlife, and resource scarcity. , from 1980 to 2024, there have been 403 confirmed and disasters each exceeding $1 billion in , with tropical cyclones causing the highest number of at 7,211. Survivalists view these statistics as evidence of vulnerability in modern dependencies, prioritizing preparations that extend beyond the standard 72-hour emergency kits recommended by agencies like FEMA to encompass weeks or months of autonomy. Historical events underscore the rationale for such preparations. During in August 2005, government response delays left many without timely assistance, with power outages lasting weeks; individuals who had stored food, water, and generators fared significantly better, reinforcing survivalist tenets of personal responsibility. Returning residents post-Katrina frequently cited the necessity of , linking resilience to skepticism toward institutional aid reliability. Similarly, the 2004 , which devastated coastal areas including and killed over 230,000 people globally, highlighted rapid-onset risks where local preparedness—such as elevated shelters and community signaling—proved critical before external help arrived. Core preparations for these threats include assembling comprehensive kits with at least one gallon of per person per day for two weeks, non-perishable foods, first-aid supplies, multi-tools, items, and battery-powered radios for communication. Survivalists often exceed these by incorporating methods like or chemical treatment for contamination risks in floods or droughts, and fuel-efficient cooking options for extended outages. For region-specific hazards, such as earthquakes, they secure heavy furniture to prevent injuries and maintain "go-bags" with essentials for immediate evacuation; in hurricane-prone areas, reinforcements like storm shutters and backup generators mitigate wind and flooding damage. Skills training focuses on practical abilities, including improvised construction from , fire-starting without matches, and basic medical response to injuries common in structural collapses or burns from wildfires. Long-term strategies address cascading effects, such as food scarcity from disrupted during droughts or outbreaks from stagnant post-floods. Survivalists cultivate home gardens, rainwater collection systems, and alternative energy sources like solar panels to sustain operations independently. Empirical data from events like the in , which caused over 15,000 deaths and widespread blackouts, demonstrate that pre-stocked reserves and community networks reduce mortality and aid dependency. While official programs promote basic readiness, survivalist philosophy critiques over-reliance on them, arguing that empirical failures in coordination—evident in multiple billion-dollar disasters—necessitate decentralized, individual capabilities grounded in verifiable self-sufficiency.

Societal and Economic Disruptions

Survivalists anticipate societal disruptions arising from economic failures, such as hyperinflation, banking collapses, and prolonged recessions, which could undermine currency stability, disrupt supply chains, and erode public services. These scenarios align with apocalypse survival (e.g., societal collapse or SHTF events), involving threats from human conflict, disease, infrastructure failure, and resource competition, often in urban or mixed environments, where skills emphasize self-defense, scavenging, medical treatment for violence-related injuries, group dynamics, security, and stockpiling; bushcraft skills remain useful but insufficient alone due to predominant human threats. These conditions are viewed as potential catalysts for widespread unemployment, food and fuel shortages, and increased crime, necessitating self-reliance to sustain basic needs independently of government or market support. Historical precedents underscore these risks; during the Great Depression, U.S. unemployment reached approximately 25% in 1933, leading many households to adopt subsistence farming, bartering, and reduced consumption to endure prolonged hardship. More acute examples include episodes that have forced abrupt shifts to informal economies. In , inflation surged beyond 1 million percent annually by 2018, diminishing the bolívar's value and prompting reliance on home-grown food, black-market trading, and foreign currencies amid collapsing imports and production. Similarly, experienced monthly peaking at 79.6 billion percent in November 2008, resulting in currency abandonment, networks, and dollarization as formal economic systems failed. The global further illustrated vulnerabilities, with U.S. GDP contracting 4.3% from peak to trough and climbing to 10%, heightening awareness of systemic fragility and spurring personal financial safeguards like debt reduction and asset diversification. Contemporary apprehensions center on escalating sovereign debt and geopolitical strains exacerbating downturn risks. As of October 2025, U.S. national debt exceeded $38 trillion, equivalent to over 120% of GDP, fueling debates on fiscal sustainability and potential inflationary policies or default scenarios that could devalue savings. Global risks reports highlight persistent threats from trade wars, protectionism, and private credit vulnerabilities, which survivalists interpret as harbingers of broader instability. Polls within preparedness communities consistently rank economic collapse among top concerns, often surpassing natural disasters, reflecting empirical observations of how past crises amplified inequality and strained social fabrics. To counter these, survivalists emphasize tangible preparations over speculative investments, including stockpiling durable goods, acquiring precious metals like silver coins for , and cultivating skills in and crafts to bypass monetary dependencies. While mainstream analyses note economic recoveries following interventions, survivalist perspectives prioritize causal factors like over-leveraging and missteps, advocating proactive measures against recurrent disruptions observed across centuries.

Geopolitical and Technological Risks

Survivalists anticipate geopolitical risks primarily from escalating great power competitions, such as between the United States and China, and Russia and NATO, which heighten the potential for conventional or nuclear conflict. These align with apocalypse survival scenarios, featuring human threats, modern hazards like radiation or pandemics, and the need for security and group management beyond bushcraft alone. These tensions, compounded by nuclear arsenal expansions—China's warheads reaching at least 600 by 2025 and global stockpiles totaling around 12,241 warheads—elevate the specter of nuclear escalation. Recent assessments indicate that 40% of strategic experts foresee a world war, potentially nuclear, within the next decade, prompting preparations for fallout, radiation, and supply chain breakdowns. Technological risks, including electromagnetic pulses (EMP) from high-altitude nuclear detonations or geomagnetic disturbances, pose severe threats to the and electronics, potentially causing nationwide blackouts lasting months or years. U.S. government commissions have warned that an EMP could disable , with recovery costs in the trillions and risks amplified by adversaries' capabilities, such as those of or non-state actors. Survivalists mitigate these by employing Faraday cages for devices and stocking non-electronic alternatives, viewing EMP as a high-impact, plausible disruptor often tied to geopolitical nuclear threats. Cyber warfare represents another intertwined risk, with state-sponsored attacks capable of crippling power grids and financial systems more feasibly than EMP in some analyses. Emerging technologies like introduce novel dangers, including power-seeking behaviors that could lead to unintended escalations or autonomous weapons proliferation, though these remain speculative compared to established threats. In response, survivalist strategies emphasize hardened communications, , and self-sufficient sources to endure prolonged technological failures amid geopolitical instability.

Preparation Methods

Supplies and Resource Management

Survivalists emphasize stockpiling essential supplies to sustain life during extended disruptions, often planning for periods exceeding the 72-hour minimum recommended by agencies like FEMA, which advises at least three days of (one per person per day) and non-perishable . For long-term , experts recommend one of per person per day for drinking and , stored in food-grade containers away from and rotated every 6-12 months to prevent stagnation or . Purification methods include mechanical filters capable of removing 99.999% of from contaminated sources, alongside chemical treatments like tablets for reliability in field conditions. Food storage focuses on calorie-dense, non-perishable items such as dehydrated meals, canned goods, and grains with shelf lives up to 25-30 years when properly packaged in oxygen-free environments, contrasting with FEMA's basic three-day supply of easy-to-prepare foods. Management involves first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation, where newer stock is placed behind older items to consume expiring goods first, ideally using supplies within one year for optimal quality and rotating canned items every two to four years. Storage conditions must remain cool (below 70°F), dry, and dark to minimize spoilage, with dehumidifiers employed if necessary to protect bulk staples like flour and rice. Medical kits extend beyond basic first aid to include prescription medications (at least a week's supply), antibiotics, and trauma supplies like tourniquets, prioritizing items for common injuries in austere environments. Other essentials encompass multi-tools, flashlights with extra batteries, sanitation items such as thick garbage bags for waste, and portable power sources like hand-crank radios for communication. For mobility, everyday carry (EDC) kits and bug-out bags contain compact versions of these, tailored for 72-hour evacuations. Resource management in survivalism incorporates strategies for post-disruption economies, favoring high-value, compact items like , alcohol, , , and products that address unmet needs after initial priorities of , , and are secured. Precious metals such as junk silver coins serve as a against , though their utility depends on depth, with from historical crises indicating preference for over speculative assets. tracking via dated labeling and periodic audits ensures resource viability, mitigating risks from over-reliance on unrotated or improperly stored stockpiles.

Skills Acquisition and Training

![US astronaut Susan Helms participating in survival training][float-right] Survivalists distinguish between bushcraft survival, which focuses on primitive wilderness skills for long-term living off the land in natural environments including fire-making, shelter construction from natural materials, foraging, trapping, hunting, and navigation without modern tools assuming threats primarily from weather, wildlife, and resource scarcity, and apocalypse survival scenarios (e.g., societal collapse, SHTF events) involving threats from human conflict, disease, infrastructure failure, and resource competition often in urban or mixed environments, where skills emphasize self-defense, scavenging, medical treatment for violence-related injuries, group dynamics, security, and stockpiling; bushcraft skills remain useful but insufficient alone due to predominant human threats and modern hazards like radiation or pandemics. Survivalists emphasize acquiring practical skills to ensure self-sufficiency during disruptions, drawing from , urban, and contexts. Core competencies include fire-making using primitive methods like friction or ferrocerium rods, construction from natural materials to protect against exposure, and through boiling, filtration, or chemical treatment to prevent dehydration-related illnesses. Additional vital skills encompass and identifying to avoid toxic species, basic and for protein sources, and navigation via , stars, or terrain features without reliance on GPS. First aid training covers wound management, improvised splints, and recognizing symptoms, often informed by military protocols. Self-defense techniques, including firearms handling and , address potential threats in societal breakdowns. Training occurs through structured programs at specialized schools, such as those offered by Self Reliance Outfitters in , which provide hands-on instruction in primitive and modern techniques, or Nature Reliance School's courses in and tracking. These immersive experiences simulate real scenarios, building proficiency over days or weeks, with enrollment often exceeding hundreds annually in response to rising interest post-2020. Military-derived programs, like SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) adaptations for civilians, stress alongside physical skills. Self-study supplements formal training via authoritative texts, including the SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman, which details global techniques based on British special forces expertise, and Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen, focusing on desert and primitive methods tested in Utah expeditions since the 1960s. Regular practice through drills, such as weekend bushcraft outings or home-based simulations, reinforces retention, as passive reading alone yields low skill mastery rates per empirical outdoor education studies. Community meetups and online resources from vetted instructors further democratize access, though hands-on repetition remains causal to competence.

Defensive and Security Measures

Defensive and security measures in survivalism prioritize protection against human threats, such as or during societal disruptions characteristic of apocalypse survival scenarios, complementing bushcraft approaches focused on natural threats and underscoring that wilderness skills alone are inadequate for environments dominated by interpersonal conflict, disease outbreaks, and infrastructure collapse. Survivalists commonly reinforce entry points by installing heavy-duty doors with multiple deadbolts and strike plates, as well as applying shatter-resistant security film to windows to delay forced entry. Perimeter defenses include , natural barriers like thorny hedges, and reinforcements for walls, drawing from military-inspired static defense tactics adaptable to residential settings. These measures align with Department of guidelines emphasizing layered physical barriers to deter and delay intruders through ongoing threat assessments. Early warning systems form a critical layer, incorporating motion-activated lights, cameras, and improvised alarms like wind chimes or noise-making devices to detect approaches without reliance on . In off-grid scenarios, ists favor low-tech options such as guard dogs or tripwires connected to noisemakers, enhancing response times as evidenced by studies showing countermeasures influence and evacuation behaviors in threat simulations. Operational (OPSEC) practices further mitigate risks by advising against public displays of preparations, such as visible stockpiles or posts about supplies, to avoid attracting threats—a rooted in adapted for preppers. Personal defense training emphasizes proficiency with firearms, with survivalists recommending semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15 in 5.56mm and handguns in 9mm for their availability, capacity, and versatility in . Approximately 20 million U.S. adults identify as preppers, many incorporating armed defense given estimates of 100,000 to 2.5 million annual defensive uses nationwide, though empirical data on prolonged survival contexts remains limited and largely anecdotal from events like post-disaster unrest. Training programs stress point-shooting techniques, , and to prioritize avoidance over confrontation, recognizing that firearms serve deterrence as much as direct engagement. Community alliances for mutual defense are also advocated, extending individual measures into coordinated neighborhood watches during extended crises.

Long-Term Sustainability Practices

Long-term sustainability practices in survivalism emphasize establishing regenerative systems that enable indefinite post-disruption, prioritizing low-input methods that mimic natural ecosystems to minimize . These practices, rooted in design—which integrates observation, energy capture, and yield optimization—aim to create closed-loop operations where outputs from one system feed inputs into another, such as using animal for fertilization. Effective implementation requires site-specific adaptation, as , climate, and water availability dictate feasibility; for instance, permaculture's principle of "obtain a yield" ensures caloric output exceeds labor inputs through polycultures that enhance and pest resistance. Food production forms the core, with small-scale farming targeting nutritional self-sufficiency on minimal . Studies indicate that one can meet all caloric and nutritional needs on approximately 740 square meters of cultivated using intensive methods like and vertical , though this assumes optimal conditions and supplemental protein from or . In practice, survivalists employ techniques such as food forests—multi-layered perennial plantings that yield fruits, nuts, and with reduced annual replanting—to achieve higher outputs than ; yields can reach 2-5 kg/m² annually for diversified plots, but demands careful input management to avoid drawdown. integration, including chickens for eggs and or goats for dairy and brush clearing, boosts protein availability while waste, though overgrazing risks erosion if is neglected. Seed saving and varieties preserve genetic resilience against crop failures, enabling adaptation to variable climates without reliance on commercial suppliers. Water management focuses on capture, purification, and conservation to sustain and indefinitely. via roof collection into cisterns provides a , with systems sized to annual ; in arid regions, a 100 roof can yield 50,000-100,000 liters yearly at 500 mm rainfall, filtered through and beds for potable use. recycling from sinks and showers irrigates non-edibles after basic , reducing freshwater demand by 30-50%, while swales—contoured ditches on slopes—slow runoff and recharge . Long-term storage in sealed, food-grade containers treated with (5-10 ppm) maintains usability for years, but regular testing prevents bacterial regrowth; wells or springs, if accessible, offer reliability but require hand-pumps or solar-powered draws to avoid fuel dependency. Renewable energy systems power essential tools like pumps and without grid reliance. Solar photovoltaic arrays, with panels rated at 300-400 each, can generate 1-5 kWh daily per kW installed depending on insolation, sufficient for a small homestead's and communication needs when paired with deep-cycle batteries. turbines supplement in gusty areas, producing 1-3 kW in 10-15 m/s winds, while micro-hydro setups on streams yield consistent 500-2000 via water flow, prioritizing sites with at least 2 m head and 10 L/s flow. Hybrid configurations mitigate , but —such as panel cleaning and battery replacement every 5-10 years—remains critical to prevent failure. Wood gasifiers or stoves provide , converting local waste into heat with 20-30% efficiency, though emissions necessitate ventilation to avoid health risks. Waste and soil management ensure system longevity through nutrient cycling. Composting human and organic wastes via anaerobic digesters or vermiculture returns nitrogen and phosphorus to soils, preventing fertility decline; proper carbon-nitrogen ratios (30:1) accelerate decomposition to 3-6 months, yielding humus that boosts crop productivity by 20-50%. No-till methods and cover cropping maintain soil structure, reducing erosion by 90% compared to conventional tillage, while biochar addition sequesters carbon and enhances water retention in sandy soils. These practices collectively foster resilience, as evidenced by homesteads achieving 70-90% self-sufficiency in resources after 5-10 years of refinement, though initial yields often lag due to learning curves and establishment phases.

Communities and Organizations

Prominent Groups and Networks

The American Preppers Network (APN), founded in , emerged as one of the largest online communities dedicated to survivalism and , operating as a non-profit with state-specific blogs and forums that facilitate knowledge sharing on topics like resource stockpiling and skill-building. By late , its website attracted approximately 5,000 daily visitors, reflecting growing interest in amid economic uncertainties. The network emphasizes practical, non-ideological prepping, distinguishing it from more fringe elements by focusing on and emergency planning rather than apocalyptic militancy. Online forums such as the Survivalist Boards, established in , represent another key network, hosting over 167,000 members and 11.7 million posts as of 2025, where participants exchange information on gear, DIY projects, and survival scenarios ranging from to societal disruptions. These platforms enable decentralized networking, often prioritizing empirical discussions of tested equipment and techniques over unsubstantiated predictions, though they occasionally host debates on geopolitical risks. Historically, survivalist groups like , active from the late 1960s through the 1980s, gained prominence amid farm foreclosures and inflation, advocating localized self-governance and armament for protection against perceived federal overreach, with membership peaking in rural Midwest communities. Such organizations laid groundwork for modern networks but frequently intertwined with anti-tax and sovereign citizen ideologies, leading to clashes with authorities, including the 1983 incident. Contemporary survivalism has largely shifted toward informal, apolitical local meetups and virtual communities, with events like prepper expos serving as hubs for alliance-building among diverse participants. In the United States, approximately 20 million adults self-identify as preppers in 2025, representing about 1 in 16 adults, with broader participation in basic actions reaching 83% of adults according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 2024 National Household Survey. This marks a doubling of the self-identified prepper population since 2017, driven by heightened awareness of , economic instability, and geopolitical tensions, though FEMA data from 2020 indicates that the deepened commitments among existing participants rather than onboarding large numbers of newcomers. Self-identified preppers collectively spend around $11 billion annually on supplies and training, reflecting sustained economic engagement. Demographically, preppers skew male, with men comprising 69% of participants compared to 31% women, contrasting the near-even gender split in the general population. Education levels are comparable to or slightly exceed national averages, with 90% holding at least a versus 88% overall. Age distributions show traditional strongholds among but increasing involvement from , who cite and urban vulnerabilities as motivators. Geographically, hotspots include and Mountain West states, though urban and suburban participation is rising, with 14.9 million Americans maintaining 31 or more days of self-sufficiency supplies as of 2020 FEMA surveys. Recent trends indicate diversification, including higher engagement from minorities, women, and individuals left of politically, amid eroding trust in institutions and recurring disruptions like wildfires and failures. However, core participation remains concentrated among those prioritizing over institutional aid, with ultra-prepared individuals (97+ days of supplies) numbering in the low millions and showing marked increases post-2017. Globally, similar patterns emerge in developed nations, though U.S. data dominates due to extensive surveying; participation correlates with exposure to high-risk environments rather than ideology alone.

Key Terminology

Fundamental Concepts and Jargon

Survivalism centers on , the principle of maintaining independence from governmental or communal support systems during crises by cultivating personal resources, skills, and knowledge to meet such as , , , and . This concept prioritizes individual agency over reliance on external aid, recognizing that institutional responses to large-scale disruptions—such as economic failures or infrastructure collapses—may be delayed, insufficient, or absent, as evidenced by historical events like the 1970s energy crises where self-sufficient households fared better than dependent urban populations. Self-reliance extends to mental fortitude, emphasizing rational and avoidance of panic, drawing from military-derived doctrines that stress and adaptability over . A core tenet is preparedness, defined as systematic planning against foreseeable threats through layered strategies: short-term kits for immediate survival, medium-term stockpiles for weeks of isolation, and long-term sustainability for indefinite scenarios. incorporates empirical evaluation of vulnerabilities, such as supply chain fragility exposed during the 2020-2021 global disruptions, where pre-stocked households avoided shortages in essentials like sanitation and nutrition. Unlike passive waiting, it demands proactive skill-building in areas like foraging, repair, and defense, grounded in the reality that untrained individuals face exponentially higher mortality in austere conditions, per analyses of disaster aftermaths. Survivalist jargon often employs acronyms and shorthand derived from , technical, and colloquial origins to facilitate concise communication within communities. Key terms include:
  • SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan): Refers to the acute onset of a catastrophic event rendering normal societal functions inoperable, such as widespread civil unrest or , prompting activation of contingency plans.
  • TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It): Denotes a prolonged or permanent transformation of civilization, beyond temporary disruptions, necessitating total self-sufficiency rather than mere .
  • Bug Out Bag (BOB): A compact, portable assembly of 72-hour essentials—including , non-perishable food, , and multi-tools—for rapid evacuation from a threatened .
  • OPSEC (Operational Security): Practices to minimize leakage about preparations, such as avoiding overt displays of stockpiles, to evade targeting during resource-scarce scenarios.
  • Gray Man Principle: The tactic of blending inconspicuously into crowds or environments to avoid detection or predation, prioritizing anonymity over conspicuous armament.
These terms underscore survivalism's focus on pragmatic realism, distinguishing it from speculative doomsday fixation by integrating verifiable with actionable measures.

Variations Across Subcultures

Survivalism manifests in distinct s that vary by primary motivations, preparation strategies, and anticipated threats, often overlapping with broader ideologies such as , , or . Preppers, a prominent , emphasize proactive stockpiling of , , medical supplies, and equipment to maintain family or group self-sufficiency for extended periods, typically in response to foreseeable disruptions like power outages or failures; this approach prioritizes static defense and resource management over immediate evasion. In contrast, survivalists focus on honing adaptive skills—such as , shelter-building, and —to endure short-term crises in dynamic, hostile environments, favoring lightweight kits and evasion tactics to escape societal breakdown rather than fortifying positions. A related variation appears in enthusiasts, who cultivate traditional competencies like fire-starting with flint, tool crafting from natural materials, and sustainable to achieve indefinite off-grid living, driven more by recreational mastery of than by imminent catastrophe; this views skills as ends in themselves, distinct from the urgency of survivalist during acute emergencies. Off-grid homesteaders represent another strand, integrating survivalist elements with and renewable energy systems to foster long-term autonomy from utilities and markets, often motivated by critiques of industrial dependency rather than apocalyptic timelines. Religious subcultures frame preparations through prophetic lenses, such as biblical end-times or millenarian forecasts, incorporating spiritual practices like communal alongside bunkers or to perceived safe havens, as seen in groups anticipating over human-engineered collapse. Secular counterparts, however, derive rationales from empirical assessments of risks including economic , pandemics, or cyber vulnerabilities, eschewing elements in favor of data-driven scenarios like those modeled in reports on fragility. These divides influence group composition: religious variants often cluster in faith-based networks, while secular ones attract diverse demographics including urban minimalists who adapt preparations to constraints via compact kits and escape plans. Lone wolf practitioners, spanning both, prioritize individual stealth and mobility, avoiding communal dependencies that could invite conflict.

Cultural and Media Representations

Portrayals in Film, Literature, and News

In literature, survivalism is frequently portrayed through narratives of and individual resilience, as in ' Patriots: A of Survival in the Coming Collapse (2009), which details a family's preparations for economic meltdown, , and resource scarcity, emphasizing , firearms training, and community defense. Earlier works like and Jerry Pournelle's (1977) depict a impact triggering and , with protagonists using stockpiled supplies and improvised weapons to navigate tribal conflicts, highlighting causal chains from cosmic events to human ingenuity or barbarism. These portrayals often validate first-principles preparation—such as and skill acquisition—as rational responses to low-probability, high-impact risks, though critics in literary analyses argue they romanticize over . Films and television have amplified survivalist themes in post-apocalyptic settings, as seen in The Road (2009), adapted from Cormac McCarthy's 2006 novel, where a father and son traverse a scorched, cannibal-infested landscape, relying on scavenged goods and moral fortitude amid resource wars. The Mad Max series, beginning with Mad Max (1979), illustrates vehicular combat and barter economies in a fuel-depleted wasteland, portraying survivalists as nomadic enforcers of order against anarchic raiders, with later entries like Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) incorporating matriarchal compounds and water hoarding. The National Geographic reality series Doomsday Preppers (2012–2014) profiled over 70 individuals or families, assigning survival scores (e.g., 760/1,000 for bunker dwellers) based on plans for scenarios like solar flares or pandemics, but often emphasized eccentric behaviors—such as backyard chicken farms or Faraday cages—leading to critiques of exploitation and misrepresentation of mainstream prepping. News coverage of survivalism has evolved from marginalization to partial normalization, particularly post-2020, with outlets like 60 Minutes (2022) reporting on preppers' vindication during supply disruptions, where stockpiling prevented shortages affecting 20 million Americans by mid-2020. Earlier portrayals, such as Y2K-era stories in 1999, mocked preparations for millennium bugs despite government advisories urging readiness, framing adherents as alarmists when disruptions proved minimal. Mainstream sources, including Vox (2025), have described preppers as media spectacles tied to paranoia, often attributing motivations to political unrest rather than empirical risks like the 20% rise in U.S. disaster declarations since 2017, though recent analysis (2024) notes diversification with 20 million participants, including urban progressives, challenging stereotypes of rural, conservative exclusivity. This coverage reflects institutional tendencies to prioritize narrative over data, understating validations from events like (2005), where self-reliant evacuees fared better than aid-dependent groups.

Shifts in Public Perception

In the mid-20th century, particularly during the from the 1950s to the 1970s, public perception of survivalism aligned closely with official efforts, viewing preparedness as a patriotic duty amid nuclear threats. Government publications like the 1950 Federal Administration's guides encouraged families to stock supplies and build shelters, fostering widespread acceptance without stigma. By the and , however, survivalism faced derision as a fringe pursuit linked to theorists and extremists, exacerbated by media portrayals of isolated "doomsday" groups preparing for or societal breakdown. The early 21st century marked a gradual rehabilitation, driven by real-world disruptions such as the September 11, 2001, attacks, in 2005, and the , which exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and government response. These events prompted polls indicating rising concern for personal readiness; for instance, a 2012 survey found 55% of Americans relied on local authorities for aid but recognized gaps in individual preparation. Reality television series like (2011–2014) amplified visibility, though often through sensationalism that reinforced eccentric stereotypes while normalizing basic stockpiling for some viewers. The in 2020 accelerated a profound shift, mainstreaming survivalist practices as empty shelves and supply shortages validated long-held warnings about fragility in modern systems. Preppers observed increased public adoption of habits like bulk buying non-perishables and home storage, with a New York Times analysis in March 2020 noting that "everyone's a prepper" amid widespread . By 2021, media outlets reported diversification beyond traditional demographics—encompassing urban and families—recasting prepping as pragmatic resilience rather than . Recent estimates place self-identified preppers at approximately 20 million in 2025, reflecting sustained growth post-pandemic. Despite this, surveys reveal persistent gaps, with only 46% of having an plan by 2025 despite 90% acknowledging the criticality of preparation for and disruptions.

Controversies and Empirical Validations

Associations with Extremism

Survivalism shares tactical and ideological overlaps with certain right-wing extremist groups, particularly the militia movement that coalesced in the early 1990s amid events like the in 1992 and the in 1993, which fueled perceptions of federal tyranny. Many participants in these militias adopted survivalist practices, including stockpiling food, ammunition, and medical supplies, alongside drills and wilderness training, framing such preparations as defenses against anticipated government collapse or conspiratorial threats like the New World Order. The identifies militia extremists as a persistent concern, characterized by anti-government ideologies that justify force to restore constitutional liberties, often bolstered by survival-oriented training to evade or confront authorities. Groups such as the and , which peaked in number during the (reaching around 370 active militias by 1996) before resurging post-2008 , integrate these elements into broader narratives of impending or foreign incursions. Incidents like the 1995 by , who drew inspiration from anti-government survivalist literature, exemplified how such fringes could escalate to violence, though McVeigh's actions were not representative of organized survivalism. Despite these links, survivalism as a broader practice—rooted in Cold War-era and focused on empirical risks like —differs fundamentally from , which prioritizes ideological confrontation over neutral preparedness. Academic critiques note that equating prepper communities wholesale with right-wing overlooks their apolitical majority, as evidenced by the movement's persistence without corresponding spikes in ; for instance, while militias emphasize armed resistance, mainstream survivalists prioritize self-sufficiency absent calls for . This distinction is underscored by low empirical rates of violence attributable solely to survivalist ideology, contrasting with militia-specific threats tracked by federal agencies.

Evidence from Real-World Events

In the wake of Hurricane Maria's landfall on on September 20, 2017, which knocked out power to nearly the entire island for up to 11 months in some areas and contributed to an estimated 2,975 excess deaths through indirect causes like lack of for and water contamination, residents employing survivalist techniques such as generator operation, fuel rationing, and communal resource sharing sustained themselves amid federal aid delays exceeding weeks. Those with stored non-electric methods and alternative cooking setups, including open fires, avoided acute and risks that plagued unprepared households dependent on intermittent airdrops and truck deliveries. The , declared in March 2020, tested stockpiling efficacy when global supply chains faltered, leading to widespread shortages of staples like pasta, canned goods, and by mid-March in the United States. Survivalists who maintained 3-6 months of and hygiene products, as per common protocols, bypassed these disruptions and reduced exposure to crowded stores during lockdown peaks. Empirical surveys linked such individual preparations to lower anxiety levels and better adherence to isolation, with preppers reporting fewer instances of or compared to the broader facing empty shelves. During the February 2021 Texas power crisis, induced by Winter Storm Uri with sub-zero temperatures from February 13-17, grid failures left 10 million without electricity, causing at least 246 confirmed deaths mostly from and due to inadequate heating. Households with backup generators fueled by or , combined with pipe insulation and alternative heat sources like wood stoves, preserved livable conditions and prevented frozen plumbing failures that affected over 12 million gallons of loss statewide. Personal accounts from affected regions highlight that these measures not only averted fatalities but also enabled continuity of critical functions like amid official restoration efforts spanning days to weeks. Similar patterns emerged in Hurricane Katrina's August 29, 2005, impact on New Orleans, where breaches flooded 80% of the city and federal response lagged, resulting in 1,833 deaths; evacuees with personal vehicles, mapped escape routes, and 72-hour supply kits reached safety preemptively, while stay-behinds relying solely on or shelters faced higher exposure to violence and disease in facilities like the Louisiana Superdome. Post-event analyses underscored that pre-disaster plans and cached essentials correlated with reduced vulnerability, independent of socioeconomic factors in some cohorts.

Debates on Psychological and Social Impacts

Critics of survivalism argue that engagement in preparatory activities correlates with elevated levels of personality traits associated with malevolence, including higher , Machiavellianism, and , alongside lower and , based on a 2018 study of self-identified survivalists using validated psychological inventories. This perspective posits that survivalist mindsets may reflect underlying or conspiracy-oriented thinking, potentially exacerbating anxiety rather than alleviating it, as extreme prepping can disrupt daily functioning and strain interpersonal relationships when it borders on obsession. Conversely, empirical evidence from the indicates that individuals perceiving themselves as prepared reported lower psychological distress, suggesting that moderate survivalist practices foster resilience and a of control amid uncertainty, with a 2021 population study linking behaviors to improved outcomes during emergencies. On the social front, survivalism is debated as promoting detachment from mainstream society, with adherents often viewing civil structures as fragile and prioritizing , which can lead to or a that positions preppers as outsiders to conventional networks. A 2014 ethnographic study in American survivalist communities found that this identity influences health-seeking behaviors, sometimes delaying care in favor of autonomous solutions, potentially heightening vulnerability during non-apocalyptic crises. However, proponents highlight formation among survivalists, where shared preparations build mutual support systems, countering dependence on potentially unreliable public infrastructure, as evidenced by increased prepper group participation post-2020 disruptions, which some analyses frame as a rational to perceived systemic risks rather than antisocial withdrawal. These debates underscore a tension between pathologizing survivalism as a symptom of societal dread and recognizing it as an adaptive response, with real-world events like pandemics validating preparatory while underscoring the need for balanced integration to avoid relational costs.

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