Resilient Citizens: The People, Perils, and Politics of Modern Preparedness - Hardcover

Chris Ellis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 163763448X ISBN 13: 9781637634486

Publisher: Forefront Books, 2025

Synopsis

Are you prepared for what's coming - or are you just hoping your neighbour is? From warzones to wildfires, pandemics to power outages, the threats we face today seem bigger, scarier, and more unrelenting than ever before. Why, then, does society take a critical view of those who prepare for the worst while hoping for the best? Why do so many people write them off as crazy, conspiracy-minded 'doomsday preppers'? In Resilient Citizens, Army officer and disaster expert Dr. Chris Ellis challenges the myths, dismisses the fearmongering, and takes a much-needed, long-overdue scholarly look at prepper culture in America. This isn't another doomsday prepper guide or government-endorsed emergency brochure. It's a deep dive into the people, perils, and politics of preparedness - from ranchers in the Rockies to policymakers in D.C. - and a call to action for those who refuse to outsource their safety to luck or bureaucracy. Unpacking thousands of hours of research, Dr. Ellis will help you: Debunk popular myths about 'preppers' and discover the truth behind America's growing culture of preparedness. Understand the psychological roadblocks that keep people stuck in denial or helplessness. Learn the traits and strategies of those best equipped to survive and thrive amid disaster. Discover how different belief systems, subcultures, and nations approach long-term resilience. Examine the historical and political roots of America's preparedness paradox - and why the government likely won't save you. Whether you're a concerned parent, a curious sceptic, or a seasoned survivalist, Resilient Citizens will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to think bigger, prepare smarter, and ensure your own survival in a chaotic world and uncertain future.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Chris Ellis is a career Army officer, disaster readiness expert, and lifelong student of how people, communities, and nations prepare for the worst. With twenty-five years of military service - including time in combat zones and collaborative work across five continents - Chris has seen firsthand what resilience looks like under pressure. He currently works at NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, where he's involved in everything from border security and counter-cartel operations to coordinating disaster response here at home. Chris holds a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, along with four other advanced degrees covering public policy, military strategy, and international security. His work blends academic insight with boots-on-the-ground experience, tackling big-picture threats like civil unrest, nuclear catastrophe, economic collapse, and even the end of the world. Outside of uniform, Chris is an obstacle course racer, an active volunteer, and a longtime supporter of humanitarian and environmental causes. After his military service, he hopes to keep serving through leadership roles in homeland security or global disaster relief.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forefront Books
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 163763448X
• ISBN 13: 9781637634486
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256