Study: Russia’s influence activities exploited special characteristics of bilateral relationship with Finland

A study carried out by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs 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.

The government-funded research project is based on the Government Programme and a description of information needs published by the Government.

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

Inquiries:

• Sinikukka Saari (Leading Researcher), [email protected]; tel. +358 50 409 8489
• Security policy, intelligence and the cyber domain: Matti Pesu, [email protected]; tel. +358 9 432 7739
• Economic and energy issues: Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, [email protected]; tel. +358 40 517 0521
• Information influence activities and the Russian minority: Jussi Lassila, [email protected]; tel. +358 50 462 9278
• Cultural influence activities (incl. culture, science and education, history, religion, sports): Tuomas Forsberg, [email protected]; tel. +358 50 569 1752

The publication is part of the implementation of the Government Plan for Analysis, Assessment and Research for 2023. The content of the reports published in the publication series of the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities is the responsibility of the producers of the information in question and does not necessarily represent the view of the Government. For more information, visit https://tietokayttoon.fi.