Finland’s president: are Europe and America’s interests still aligned?| The Economist

Key Concepts

• Transatlantic Partnership: The political, economic, and military alliance between North America (primarily the US) and Europe.
• MAGA (Make America Great Again): The ideological framework driving aspects of current US foreign policy, characterized by a focus on national interests and a critical view of multilateralism.
• America First: The policy doctrine prioritizing US interests above all others, establishing a hierarchical approach to international relations.
• Arctic Security: The strategic importance of the Arctic region, particularly for defense and resource control, and the role of Nordic countries in maintaining security.
• National Security Strategy (2025): The US framework for foreign policy, outlining priorities and approaches to global challenges.
• Interests vs. Values: The tension between prioritizing pragmatic national interests and upholding shared values in international relations.

The Evolving Transatlantic Relationship & Nordic Security

The discussion centers on a perceived shift in the transatlantic relationship, moving away from a strong alliance based on shared values towards a more transactional one driven by national interests, particularly those of the current US administration. The speaker acknowledges a decline in the strength of the partnership but argues against abandoning it entirely, advocating for focusing on areas of common interest while accepting disagreements on other fronts.

The initial observation highlights a growing pessimism regarding the alliance, with some perceiving “irreparable damage” done. The speaker, while acknowledging the change, maintains a pragmatic stance, emphasizing the need to “deal with the world as it is, not as you would wish it to be.” This perspective stems from a Finnish worldview focused on practical realities.

The Two Pillars of US Foreign Policy

The speaker outlines the current US foreign policy as having two core components: the ideological “MAGA” and the practical “America First” policy.

• MAGA: This strand views Europe as overly liberal, particularly regarding immigration, and criticizes multiculturalism, exemplified by attacks on cities like London. Interestingly, the speaker notes the irony that immigration rates to the US remain higher than to Europe.
• America First: This policy establishes a clear hierarchy of priorities: 1) Western Hemisphere, 2) Pacific, 3) Europe, 4) Middle East, and 5) Africa. This prioritization signifies a diminished emphasis on traditional transatlantic alliances.

Interests as the Primary Driver

Despite the shift in values, the speaker argues that shared interests continue to bind the US and Europe, particularly in the context of Nordic security. Specifically, the US benefits from:

• Finland’s strong military: Finland’s 1340km border with Russia and its large army (one of the largest in Europe) are strategically valuable to the US.
• Arctic Defense Capabilities: The robust defense forces of Sweden and Norway in the Arctic region are also considered vital.
• Containing Russian Expansion: Preventing Russia from establishing spheres of influence in Europe remains a key US interest.

The recent situation with Denmark, where the US briefly considered acquiring territory, illustrates the potential for even seemingly allied nations to be subject to US interests. The successful negotiation in Davos to focus on Arctic security was described as a positive outcome, avoiding a trade war or military escalation.

European Self-Defense & Finnish Capabilities

The speaker firmly asserts that Europe, and specifically Finland, is capable of defending itself. This isn’t merely strategic communication but a reflection of Finland’s substantial investment in its defense capabilities:

• Mandatory Military Service: Training of 1 million men and women for Arctic warfare.
• Advanced Military Equipment: Possession of 62 F-18 fighter jets (soon to be supplemented by 64 F-35s), long-range missiles (air, land, and sea), and the largest artillery in Europe.

The speaker dismisses the idea that Finland is entirely dependent on American goodwill, stating that the continued operation of its F-18s is not in question.

Dependence & the Potential for a US Veto

The discussion acknowledges the potential for future US administrations to alter their approach, even to the point of potentially hindering allied defense efforts. The example of the US restricting Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles and Elon Musk’s control over Starlink access highlights this vulnerability.

The speaker concedes that Finland’s defense is, to some extent, dependent on American goodwill, specifically the continued provision of equipment and training. However, they emphasize that this relationship is reciprocal, citing the 25,000 US soldiers training in Norway and Finland, and the US’s interest in acquiring Finnish icebreakers. The deep bilateral defense cooperation is driven by Finland’s strategic location bordering Russia and its proximity to Russian nuclear weapons.

Arctic Security & the Nordic Role

The speaker underscores the critical importance of the Arctic region and the central role of the Nordic countries in its defense. They emphasize that the core of Arctic defense lies in Finland, Sweden, and Norway, not solely in Greenland. This highlights the strategic value of the Nordic region to both the US and the broader alliance.

Notable Quotes

• “Deal with the world as it is, not as you would wish it to be.” – Emphasizing a pragmatic approach to international relations.
• “It’s interest driven. The Americans, of course, there's values, but their interests as well.” – Highlighting the primacy of national interests in US foreign policy.
• “Our whole defence composure is based on defending ourselves without anyone else.” – Asserting Finland’s self-reliance in defense.

Conclusion

The conversation paints a picture of a transatlantic relationship undergoing a significant transformation. While acknowledging the challenges and the shift towards a more transactional dynamic, the speaker advocates for maintaining the alliance by focusing on shared interests, particularly in areas like defense and Arctic security. Finland’s robust military capabilities and strategic location make it a key partner for the US, ensuring continued cooperation despite the evolving geopolitical landscape. The core takeaway is a call for pragmatic realism, recognizing the changing priorities of the US while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of European self-reliance and the enduring value of strategic partnerships.