Finnish National Defense – A Shared Commitment
One of the things that has always impressed me about Finland is the Finnish approach to national defense. Here, defense isn’t just the military’s responsibility; it’s a shared commitment involving active participation and a collective dedication to national security. In Finland, defense isn’t about a select few trained personnel – it’s a nationwide readiness and willingness to protect what matters, reflecting in many ways the military teaching of kaveria ei jätetä – you don’t leave a friend behind.
Learning Finnish and Discovering Finland’s History
While I may be relatively new to living in Finland, I’m no stranger to Finnish culture, lifestyle, or history. I first began learning Finnish in early 2020, during the pandemic, driven by a fascination with Finnish music – artists like Haloo Helsinki, J. Karjalainen, Olli Halonen, and Popeda inspired me to pick up the language to uncover the meaning behind those incredible melodies. As I learned Finnish, I found myself diving deeper into Finland’s history, from the ancient Hämeen Härkätie trade route to the impressive medieval castles like Hämeenlinna and the sweeping, rugged landscape that has shaped its people. I discovered Finland’s mythical legends too, tales of the Kalevala and Väinämöinen, which connect so strongly to the national character and spirit. Through these stories and histories, I realized that to truly understand this country, I needed to appreciate both its past and its present, which of course includes Finland’s approach to national defense.
Military Science and a Model for National Defense
I've been fortunate to have a multidisciplinary academic background, thanks largely to my late father, who instilled in me a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I took many courses in military science and conducted research focused on both the technical and theoretical aspects of defense: hybrid threats, emerging technologies, counterterrorism, ideological deradicalization, and the psychological drivers of extremism. I studied moral foundations and how people process threat messaging, particularly in the context of preparedness. So, naturally, when I moved to Finland, I felt drawn to what I see as a model for national defense – one that’s both technically sound and ideologically robust. In today’s interconnected world, maintaining a strong defense goes hand-in-hand with fostering the motivation and resilience to support it. After all, what good is advanced equipment if no one feels committed to using it?
The Power of Sisu, Shared Responsibility, and a Strong Alliance
Anyone who has studied Finnish or Nordic history knows this: Finland’s defense mindset is rooted in a challenging past – marked by resilience, grit, and an unwavering refusal to quit, a quality we best describe as sisu. This past summer, I participated in the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., where global experts and leaders shared insights that deepened my understanding of why Finland’s recent integration into NATO has been so seamless. Finland didn’t join NATO as some newcomer just learning the ropes; it entered as an experienced, well-equipped, and trusted partner stepping up to make an already strong alliance even stronger. Its long-standing partnership with NATO made the transition fast, efficient, and mutually beneficial, with near-constant praise and admiration directed toward Finland whenever it was mentioned (Torille!).
However, what makes this partnership work so well is a set of shared principles: Finland and NATO both embrace the concept of comprehensive security, where readiness goes beyond the armed forces to include a society-wide commitment to protecting the nation. This shared sense of responsibility, dedication to stability, and commitment to mutual support is why Finland’s integration into NATO feels like a natural extension of its own approach to national security. From day one, Finland has been a valuable asset to NATO, strengthening the alliance with both its military capabilities and a firmly ingrained spirit of resilience – and the deeply held teaching of kaveria ei jätetä.
National Defense as a Personal Duty and Shared Legacy
Finnish national defense embodies a deeply rooted commitment, a blend of technical capability and an unwavering spirit that resonates globally. Since moving to Finland, it’s been a privilege for me to learn about this approach, to experience it firsthand, and to appreciate the dedication, commitment, and shared responsibility that drive it. Living here, you quickly realize how many people are ready, willing, and able to defend not just the country, but each other. It’s a bit funny – though we might joke about avoiding our neighbors or hiding in our apartments until the coast is clear, we’d defend those same neighbors without hesitation, as if they were family. There’s a shared sense of responsibility, one that transcends just the land and extends to one another, to the generations before us, and to those yet to come.
Through my research, participation in NATO summits, and my own training, I’ve also had the honor of talking with older Finns about their time in the Defense Forces. The most common sentiment they express is gratitude – gratitude to us, the younger generation, for continuing the legacy. They’re heartened to see us take national defense seriously, to train and learn with pride. It reassures them that Finland’s future is in capable hands, and it’s a powerful reminder that history isn’t as distant as it sometimes feels. Just a few generations ago, they faced the fear and reality of war – the Winter War, the Continuation War, the Lapland War. For them, national defense is personal, and it’s the same for us. Their stories are a reminder of the cost of freedom, a responsibility that today’s generation takes seriously and honors through action.
What Makes Finland Strong: A Personal Commitment to a Shared Legacy
Finland’s strength isn’t just in its military assets – its tanks, planes, ships, or artillery. What truly makes Finland strong is the cohesion, shared responsibility, and deep sense of duty that every Finn carries. This approach to defense is as much ideological as it is operational. You could replicate the same resources elsewhere, but without the Finnish spirit of sisu, the guiding principle of kaveria ei jätetä, and the unwavering sense of responsibility, it simply wouldn’t be the same.
For me, Finland has become more than just a place to live; it’s a country I respect deeply and feel honored to be part of. Finland welcomed me after I lost my dad – who was my number one mentor and best friend – and in this new home, I found a renewed sense of purpose. Learning the language, embracing the history, and connecting with people here has deepened my own sense of duty and responsibility. My commitment now is to contribute positively, to honor the spirit of sisu, and to support the country that has given me so much.
Finland’s approach to national defense embodies a unique blend of resilience, responsibility, and community, grounded in a long and sometimes difficult history. It’s about more than just protecting borders; it’s about standing together as neighbors, honoring the sacrifices and service of previous generations, and ensuring a secure future for all of those who will follow. For every Finn, national defense is both a personal duty and a shared legacy, and it’s a commitment that I’m proud to uphold in the place I now call home.
These reflections are my personal views and experiences and do not represent the official positions or endorsements of the Defence Forces, NATO, or any affiliated organizations.
Comments