USAWC (United States Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. Finland's Security and Defense Policy; Origins and Current Developments.
Abstract
This essay examines the basic questions dealing with Finland's security policy after the Second World War, and military defense needed in the future to meet perceived threats. In order to find answers the economic-military-geographical features of Finland are studied. It seems that economically highly developed Finland still can benefit of natural features favoring defense, including a strong defense will of the population. Finland's post-World War II history has been peaceful. The same stands for the general situation in the area, which can be described as the 'Nordic Stability'. It is supported by armed forces primarily intended for territorial defense. The treaties Finland has signed are in support of her policy of neutrality. That policy is aligned to Finland's strategic situation: there are no strategic objectives in the country, but still everything has to be done to prevent any kind of military threat from developing through Finland against any of her neighbors. This is the bottomline of the recommendations made by the Third Parliamentary Committee in 1981. These recommendations are still valid. The first phase (1982-86) of a fifteen year development plan for the Finnish Defense Forces has so far proved to be quite successful. The suggested Fast Deployment Forces will serve Finland in her efforts to stay outside military conflicts. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166785
Entities
People
- Juhani A. Niska
Organizations
- United States Army War College