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Finland in the Arctic: from détente to defence

Sanna Kopra, Harri Mikkola

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Scientific › peer-review

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Abstract

The Arctic region constitutes a major element in Finnish diplomacy and foreign policy. As Finland's security is directly linked to geopolitical changes in Northern Europe, Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022 dramatically changed the country's foreign and security policy. Consequently, Finland joined NATO in April 2023. This chapter investigates how Finland's Arctic identity and interests are played out in international, regional and national contexts. It begins with an outline of Finland's history, policy and domestic debates concerning the Arctic. Then, the chapter discusses Finland's key security interests and defence cooperation frameworks, especially its relations with NATO, the Nordic states and the EU. Finally, it concludes that defence cooperation with Sweden, Norway, the UK and the United States will likely constitute Finland's key security framework in the Arctic context in the future.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Nordic States, NATO and the EU in Arctic Security
Subtitle of host publicationA New Nordic Balance?
EditorsAndreas Raspotnik, Andreas Østhagen
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar
Chapter3
Pages35-49
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-0353-3348-6, 978-1-0353-8139-5
ISBN (Print)978-1-0353-3347-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Nov 2025
MoEC publication typeA3 Part of a book or another research book

Keywords

  • arctic region
  • diplomacy
  • security policy
  • foreign policy
  • defence policy
  • international relations
  • European Union
  • international cooperation
  • geopolitics
  • Finland
  • Russia
  • Lapland

Field of science

  • International political science

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