Increased focus on Finland's approach to national security among masses
In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Finland is leading the charge in redefining national security, extending its scope to encompass civilian preparedness, economic resilience, and cybersecurity. This holistic approach, which integrates regional development and crisis preparedness into national security policies, is a response to the evolving threats of the 21st century.
Finland's strategy is grounded in a deep-rooted understanding that security is not solely about military defense, but also about protecting citizens and critical infrastructure. Key to this approach is the establishment of a Security Competence Centre in Kuopio, which focuses on enhancing expertise in cybersecurity and crisis management.
The European Logistics Institute (ELI) in eastern Finland is another cornerstone of Finland's strategy. The institute aims to build logistics and infrastructure capabilities with both civilian and military applications, ensuring flexibility and readiness in times of crisis or conflict.
Investment in dual-use infrastructure that meets NATO requirements while supporting regional economic development is another crucial element. This approach revitalizes local economies, making them more resilient and better prepared for security challenges.
Finland is also fostering innovation ecosystems and defense technology development. Places like Riihimäki, where defense and civilian technology sectors collaborate, are breeding grounds for dual-use innovations that enhance both security and civilian applications.
The urgency of this expanded approach is underscored by the urgency of evolving threats such as sabotage of critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic supply chain disruptions. These threats, highlighted by Rory Medcalf, head of the Australian National University's National Security College, are potential areas of concern for nations worldwide.
Finland's commitment to this approach is not new. It dates back to the 1950s, following World War II and the Cold War, when the country recognised that security involves everyone. This understanding has been strengthened by recent events, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has heightened Finland and Sweden's resolve to expand their concept of national security.
Preparing for the economic consequences of conflict in the region is also crucial. This was a lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, when conversations about crisis preparedness and accurate news in the era of misinformation took on new urgency.
In Australia, Medcalf's centre has initiated nationwide community consultations to understand Australians' perspectives on national security and their concerns about supply chains and economic infrastructure.
Elsewhere, Taiwan is currently grappling with real-time threats, including repeated intrusions into its airspace and waters, sabotage of undersea cables, and a daily average of 2.4 million cyberattacks, mostly emanating from China.
Finland's expanded national security strategy is a testament to the country's forward-thinking approach to security. By integrating civilian preparedness, economic resilience, and cybersecurity into its national security policies, Finland is setting a precedent for other nations to follow.
Policy-and-legislation must be updated to accommodate Finland's expanded approach to national security, recognizing the threat of economic supply chain disruptions, sabotage of critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, and disinformation.
Critical infrastructure protection is a priority for Finland, as evidenced by their investment in enhancing cybersecurity expertise and crisis management at the Security Competence Centre in Kuopio.
In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland's commitment to strengthening its national security policies extends to preparing for the economic consequences of conflict in the region and fostering innovation ecosystems that bridge the gap between defense and civilian technology sectors.
