Report: Diverse research on Russian security and comprehensive understanding of Russian security policy needed in Finland
The research project carried out by the Aleksanteri Institute was divided into two parts, one concerned with the state of the Finnish research on Russian security policy and the other with the development trends in Russian security policy and their implications for the choices made in Finland.
The project analysed peer-reviewed basic studies conducted in Finland that can be considered to fall within the scope of research on Russian security policy. The timeframe for the analysis was restricted to the years 2011–2015. Data produced in internal studies and surveys of public authorities and data in non peer-reviewed publication series of sectoral research institutes were excluded from the analysis. Thus the study contributes to constructing a comprehensive picture of research on Russian security in Finland, but it does not cover the whole field of expertise and research on the theme. A broad range of research on Russia is being done in Finland, but comprehensive study of many topics relating to Russian security is still lacking. This may make it difficult for Finland to make choices and engage in cooperation with Russia. Such topics include military forces, defence economy, security authorities, border security, preventing crime and terrorism, religions, justice, Russian relations with Asian countries, and the Eurasian Economic Union. In the conclusions it is recommended that we should create a Russian security research cluster and security research strategy in support of the knowledge base for decision-making.
The analysis of the development of the Russian security policy covered the objectives, resources and the capability to implement the objectives in defence and economy in both internal and external security. Russian actions and implementation capacity cannot be explained by any single factor, nor does the development in Russia run along a single path. The use of simple indicators should be avoided when assessing the capability of Russia to implement its objectives. Choices made in Finland should take account of the implementation of long-term objectives in Russia. Choices should not be made on the basis of views concerning the current situation alone. The report recommends that we should prepare for different alternative development paths in Russia and be flexible and quick in our own actions. Instead of focusing on spheres of interest and zero-sum games we should develop collaboration on global security challenges such as combatting climate change.
The report on Russian security policy – research in Finland and development trends in Russia was compiled as part of the implementation of the Government’s 2016 plan for analysis, assessment and research.
Further information about the Government’s analysis, assessment and research at tietokayttoon.fi.
Inquiries: Anna-Liisa Heusala, Senior Researcher, Aleksanteri Institute, tel. +358 50 448 6459, Emilia Pyykönen, Information Specialist, Aleksanteri Institute, tel. +358 50 317 5585 and Professor Markku Kivinen, Aleksanteri Institute, tel. +358 50 563 6309.