A combination of good high-speed internet coverage, high digital literacy rates, large rural populations and fast-growing fintech industries had put the Nordic neighbours on a fast track to a future without cash.
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But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and a subsequent rise in cross-border hybrid warfare and cyber-attacks blamed on pro-Russia groups have prompted a rethink.
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The Swedish government has since completely overhauled its defence and preparedness strategy, joining Nato, starting a new form of national service and reactivating its psychological defence agency to combat disinformation from Russia and other adversaries. Norway has tightened controls on its previously porous border with Russia.
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[Norway’s] justice and public security ministry said it “recommends everyone keep some cash on hand due to the vulnerabilities of digital payment solutions to cyber-attacks”. It said the government took preparedness seriously “given the increasing global instability with war, digital threats, and climate change. As a result, they’ve ensured that the right to pay with cash is strengthened”.
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This is not about ‘neoliberals’ but about foreign malicious actors attacking digital systems for no reason.
Lol, of course it’s about neoliberals, since they only care now that “the economy” (the bank accounts of the rich) is in danger, but couldn’t have cared less when it was only the poor and already marginalised in society that they were marginalising further with their decisions.
We all already know Russia is run by a war mongering dictator, him threatening and harming others shouldn’t come as a surprise, or news, to anyone.
Two (or more!) things can be true, and terrible, at once, and pointing out one (especially one that liberals are generally uncomfortable acknowledging) doesn’t somehow nullify the other, just like criticising democrats doesn’t mean someone supports conservatives, it just means criticising the one not already lightyears beyond criticism, like a literal fascist or dictator.