Quo vadis, Finland's foreign and security policy 2020?

In a world where the politics of great power is back, the security environment changes in the blink of an eye and the powers that be are supranational corporations like Alibaba or Amazon, in which direction should we steer tiny Finland? How can Finland succeed in an age where technologies such as artificial intelligence are shaping the world in ways that are almost impossible to influence?

These issues should be addressed in the government's Foreign and Security Policy Report and Defence Policy Report, which are currently being prepared. These are due to be finalised after the summer. The previous reports were written in the tense post-crisis situation in Ukraine; as we enter the 2020s, the situation is even more complex.

Traditionally, the security policy debate in our country has been conducted by a small, ageing and male-dominated elite. Few have been willing to take up this historically sensitive issue. However, the dramatic change in the world and its implications for Finland require broad social debate and understanding. Foreign, security and defence policy do not live in a vacuum; the phenomena they involve affect all actors in society.

Finns' view of world events is now better than ever. Few people were as sophisticated a few years ago about, say, the intricacies of the US electoral system or the formalities of presidential office. Now these topics are being clicked on and commented on extensively online. As Finns become more sensitive to the topic, it could be an opportune time for the administration to open up the debate on issues affecting Finnish security policy to a wider audience.
For decades, Finland's successful model of comprehensive security has enabled authorities, business and organisations to work together to prepare for crisis situations. This cooperation ensures that the vital functions of our society can be safeguarded in various crisis situations. The role of business and organisations as security actors in crisis situations is growing. 

The same convergence of sectors is also needed in foreign and security policy. The most significant change of our time is now being driven by private sector technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and autonomous systems. Although Finland is a small power, we have the potential to be a bigger player than the rest of the world, especially in the field of high technology, turning security threats into opportunities that benefit Finland. But can those in power succeed by conducting foreign, security and defence policy in silos, without close interaction with business, research and other non-state actors?

The tough issues of our time require courage, open-mindedness and openness from policy makers, even in traditionally closed policy areas. A good start in this respect, as far as the foreign and security policy report is concerned, is the university tour launched by the UM. There could be demand for a broader road show on foreign, security and defence policy in the 2020s, which would be a wake-up call for our nation. There could be roles for many actors in the implementation of such a road show, including social influencers like Blic.

Heidi Fransila 

The author is a Director at Blic who closely follows foreign and security policy.