Authors

• Advisory Board for Defence Information (ABDI)

Keywords

European integration, armed forces, conflict resolution, conscription, crisis management, defence, defence and state security policy, foreign policy, garrisons, international alliances, international conflict resolution, terrorism

Abstract

The annual survey charted Finnish public opinion on foreign policy, state security and defence policy, and military alliances. Respondents were asked how well Finland has managed its foreign policy, and what kind of military tasks should the country's armed forces undertake. One theme pertained to what kind of impact the following issues have on the security of Finland: EU or NATO membership of certain countries (e.g. the Baltic States, Eastern Europe, Sweden, Turkey), Finland's potential NATO membership, Finnish participation in the European Rapid Reaction Force, Russia's and EU's fight against terrorism, and Finland's neutrality. Respondents were also asked whether Finland should join NATO.

Attitudes towards partnership cooperation between Finland and NATO were studied with questions pertaining to the Partnership for Peace programme, participation in crisis management operations led by NATO, and making equipment and command systems interoperable with those of NATO. For the first time, views were charted on whether the EU has the right to carry out a military intervention in an EU member state or a non-member state, and on what grounds (e.g. for humanitarian help or to prevent genocide). Respondents were also asked whether the EU's military intervention should be based on the decision made by the EU alone, or should it be based on a UN mandate.

Opinions of Finland's defence expenditure were surveyed. Respondents were also asked which factors should be most important when deciding which Finnish garrisons to close down, and should Finland have a conscription army or a professional army. One topic covered possible future threats to Finland (e.g. climate change, Israel-Palestinian conflict, international terrorism and crime.) Further questions explored causes of terrorism, the impact of Finland's EU membership, and trust in the future of the EU.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, economic activity, occupational status, marital status, household composition, age and number of children, level of education, household income, driving licence status, household ownership of certain consumer durables (car, television, holiday home, videos, computer, mobile or fixed-line phone, digital camera), province and region of residence, type and population of the municipality of residence, accommodation type, Internet and mobile phone use, who the respondent would vote for if the parliamentary elections were held at that time, and who in the household is responsible for household duties like shopping.