Finland’s comprehensive security concept as a subject of international research

The Finnish comprehensive security solution is attracting increasing international interest. A good example of this is the recently completed master’s thesis by Thomas Woolmore (Department of War Studies, King’s College London). In his research, Woolmore examines Finland’s comprehensive security arrangement and its impact on the British “whole-of-society” approach.

From a Finnish perspective, the key finding of the study is that our comprehensive security concept is built on a strong, reciprocal relationship between the state and its citizens. According to Woolmore, this relationship based on trust is at the heart of our solution’s effectiveness. Citizens share a common will and are prepared to participate in building the security of society, and they feel that our country is worth protecting. The study recognizes that the strong cohesion that prevails in Finnish society creates a foundation for sustainable security thinking. This strengthens both national unity and crisis resilience. The Finnish approach can also serve as an example for other countries seeking ways to strengthen their own resilience, provided that the social and cultural dimensions of the concept are recognized and considered.

Read the full study: MA Thesis – Thomas Woolmore