Where can we get inspired from the Finnish approach to security and defence? Members of the network discussed with Minna Ålander

According to experts, Finland's military and civil preparedness is among the best in Europe – as is defence cooperation within Northern Europe. What can we learn from the Finnish approach to security? And what is Finland's attitude to the turbulent changes brought about by both the war in Ukraine and Donald Trump's return to the White House?

Members of the Women Network in Czech Foreign, European and Security Policy discussed these and other questions with Minna Ålander, an analyst at Chatham House, Stockholm Free World Forum and the Center for European Policy Analysis. The meeting was held in cooperation with the Embassy of Finland at the residence of the Finnish Ambassador. 

Minna Ålander spoke about the need to promote a whole-of-society approach to security, in which all citizens are actively involved in the defence and security of the country. In addition, she offered a critique of the narrow focus on only the share of GDP invested in defence – noting that how we use the investments or whether we focus on citizen awareness and preparedness is also important.