Authors

• Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI)

Keywords

conflict resolution, crisis management, defence and state security policy, foreign policy, international conflict resolution, military alliances, military service, national security, national security, peace-keeping forces

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish public opinion on foreign policy, security and military alliances. Respondents assessed how well Finland has managed its foreign policy and relations with a number of other countries. One theme pertained to security: how the employment situation in Finland, EU's enlargement to the East, Russia's development, use of nuclear power, international terrorism, the situation in Iraq and NATO's enlargement to the Baltic States affect Finland and state security. Respondents were asked whether they think Finland is going to join NATO. Attitudes towards armed defence of the country and opinions on increasing the military tasks of the EU were charted. Opinions on defence expenditure and Finland's participation in peace-keeping operations led by the UN, NATO or EU were surveyed. Respondents assessed whether Finland should participate in peace-keeping and crisis management operations in war zones.

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's gender, age group, main economic activity, employment, marital status, education, type of accommodation, type of neighbourhood, region of residence, household type and composition, household income, party preference, ownership of mobile phone, Internet use, location and frequency of Internet use.