Russia of power

Tuotetiedot

The Russia of Power project has now concluded, and this is the resulting final report. The report is a continuation of the two previous reports ordered by the Ministry of Defence: Russia of Challenges was published in 2008 and Russia of Transformations in 2012. This time, the project was also commissioned by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior, while the Ministry of Defence was responsible for administration and coordination of the project. International tensions have increased in recent years, and the security situation has weakened in Europe and in Finland’s neighbouring areas. No positive developments on this front are currently foreseen. There is talk of a return of the Cold War, increased significance of nuclear weapons, the end of the rules-based international order, and an end to diplomacy. Through its actions and in its public pronouncements, Russia has shown its disdain for the rules-based international order and security. Of course, Russia is only one of many actors involved in international politics. Public statements made by the current US government, the emergence of China as a global power and the future direction of the European Union are all creating uncertainty, as are a number of different crisis areas, as well as global challenges and megatrends. Taken with all these factors, Russia’s efforts to achieve the status of an internationally recognised great power are creating instability, and a tendency to settle international disputes with power politics may intensify. For Europe, Russia has been an important energy partner, a market area with increasing potential, a participant in the fight against terrorism, and a seat of rich culture. However, these positive connotations of Russia have begun to change to somewhat more negative ones. Russia and its hybrid influence, in a variety of forms, constantly appear in the same context, while the perception of the military threat that Russia poses to Europe has returned, strengthened. Finland has also come to realise that while there is no imminent military threat to Finland, it must prepare for the threat or use of military force. As a member of the European Union, Finland would not be able to remain aside if security is under threat in the region or elsewhere in Europe. The need for cooperation and dialogue – including with Russia – is particularly important.