Russia exploits special characteristics of relationship with Finland: study

Russia’s influence activities have capitalised on specific characteristics of the bilateral relationship between Russia and Finland, and this has partly been successful, according to a study published on Thursday.

The study funded by the government carried out by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA) together with the University of Helsinki and the University of Tampere examined Russia’s full-spectrum influence activities directed at Finland since the 2000s and their effects on Finnish society and decision-making, said a government press release.

The study said that Certain features of Finnish political culture – such as a strong preference for consensus and caution in the public debate around Russia – have made it more difficult to identify indirect forms of influence, particularly in the context of energy and investment-related issues. By contrast, more coercive forms of Russian influence, such as the instrumentalisation of migration, have generally proved less effective.

Finland’s ability to combat these forms of influence has been supported by its comprehensive security model and strong culture of security policy consensus.

The assessments made in the study are based on comprehensive documentary sources, interview-based material and the researchers’ in-depth knowledge of key actors and the operating environment.

According to Leading Researcher Sinikukka Saari of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, who led the study, the approach in this study differs somewhat from those used in earlier literature.

“Our way of defining full-spectrum influence efforts is more comprehensive than what is typical in Western research literature and official strategies in general, but it is well in line with the Russian perception and Russia’s activities,” Saari said.

According to the study, Russia’s key objective in relation to Finland in the 2000s was to keep it outside of the Western military alliance.

Senior Researcher Matti Pesu of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs emphasises that Finland’s decision to join NATO in April 2023 was not motivated by problems in bilateral relations.

“The decision was primarily a reaction to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, not the result of dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions towards Finland,” Pesu said.

According to Professor of Political History Juhana Aunesluoma, who contributed to the study, the relationship between Finland and Russia has been characterised by strong historical continuity.

“In the 2000s, the relationship was still based in part on the idea that it was special. As such, Finland had a tendency to examine its relationship with Russia mainly from a bilateral perspective,” Aunesluoma said.