After Finland joined NATO as its 31st member on April 4, 2023, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it set the mood for future tensions with Russia. In 2024, Finland’s next presidential election is no different in laminating relations with NATO and the West, solidifying support for Ukraine. Although Finland’s membership in NATO benefits the nation militarily being backed up by the superpowers of NATO, tensions are undoubtedly arising as Russia will not sit tight as more nations in proximity to Ukraine join NATO. Finland’s new presidential election is the one to watch in seeing how Finland-Russia relations turn out as well as how international conflicts permeating globally become shaped by the presidential results.
This presidential election is unprecedented because of Finland’s past neutral relations with Russia, but reactions of this election hold optimism for what this means for the future of international affairs. According to NPR, a Finnish voter, Eve Kinnunen, voiced that she “expects strong leadership in the current global situation”. This comes in response to the expectation that because Finland is now aligned with NATO, it will further protect Finland and its interests against the rising threat of Russia. This also demonstrates the hope that citizens feel in a promising election where the presidential candidates voiced “enhanced cooperation with the United States and the need to continue helping Ukraine both militarily and with humanitarian assistance” (NPR). Furthermore, presidential runner up candidate Pekka Haavisto stated that “NATO is then stronger in the Artic area when both Finland and Sweden are members” (NPR). One can safely assume that any candidate will guarantee the tightening of security with powerful West allies and helping Ukraine.
Although unprecedented, Finland’s entrance into NATO as threats arise due to the invasion of Ukraine, signify that peace and security are attempting to be consolidated, to counteract acts of violence. In other words, Finland decides to take a more peaceful approach in response to violence and in doing so, gain support from its powerful West allies and gain security for themselves. The presidential election puts Finland on the right track in becoming allies with members of NATO, which means they will protect and support each other in times of crisis. Instead of being enemies, they are instead allies which prevent conflict between member states, Finland being the newest addition. Furthermore, due to Finland’s pledge to help with Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis, it brings optimism that help is always there when a member of NATO needs it, further emphasizing peace instead of violence or in this case, the rehabilitation of Ukraine from the help of their allies capture post-conflict or mid conflict peace-building and peace restoration. Finland’s presidential election is one of the nations that one should keep following to see it through that they promote peace and security amid chaos and violence.
The history of Finland-Russia relations goes back to Finland declaring its independence from Russia in 1917. It backfired however became their true independence was premature due to the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany dragging Finland into their sphere of influence during World War II. It would be long before Finland would be able to leave under the influence of the Soviet Union being plagued with constant war and violence. Significantly, in the duration of all this conflict, Finland resorted to being neutral and “friendly” to the Soviet Union until Finland joined the EU in 1995, then Finland transitioned to military non-alignment but not yet integrating with NATO. The next big thing would be Finland joining NATO and that would solidify Finland as an ally of the United States, much to Russia’s dismay (Reuters).
Finland’s presidential election shows promise because of their recent alignment with NATO which consolidates its allegiance to the West and forgoes its neutrality and then its military non-alignment with an alliance with NATO as the most recent. Although one can surely show optimism for the increase of NATO membership, it should not be neglected that the war in Ukraine was a result of Ukraine wanted to join NATO and Russia’s reaction with retaliation. Caution must be presented alongside optimism as the presidential campaign continues amid fear of history being repeated.
