I’d like to thank those of you who take the time to read my blogs. If you’ve read more than a handful, you’ll have noticed that teamwork is a common theme. That’s teamwork anywhere – it might be in the military, at work, home, or when facing a physical challenge. In small groups, teamwork drives high performance and mental strength. Is the same true for larger communities? What about whole countries?

This blog is about a fascinating country in Northern Europe. Its people are the happiest in the world. But it’s also the place that named the Molotov Cocktail (or ‘bottle bomb’) during a bloody conflict. It’s faced many challenges to its sovereignty and cohesion, including a long border with an unfriendly neighbour. 

Total defence

This is Finland, with its 5.5m people and 168,000 lakes. It’s unique in many ways, but one characteristic stands out. The Finns have a concept that runs through their society at every level – school, business, government – and every age group. It’s called ‘total defence’, or, if you’re a native, kokonaismaanpuolustus. The deep-rooted idea is that defending the country is a shared responsibility for everyone, not just the armed forces.

During peacetime, Finland’s armed forces number 24,000. Their wartime military strength of 280,000 can be deployed from a total reserve personnel of 780,000. Of course, ‘total defence’ implies that its threats aren’t just military ones. Finland can face modern challenges such as pandemics, cyberattacks, and information wars. It’s a joined-up system for keeping its citizens safe. 

Where did ‘Total defence’ come from?

The idea was shaped by Finland’s history, particularly its conflicts with the big bear over the border – Russia. Over the years, Finland has fought between 32 and 42 wars against Russia. The precise number depends on which historian you listen to! Its forces fought bravely in the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944). They kept their independence but lost territory, blood and treasure. To many Finns, it must have felt like a near-death experience. But it strengthened them.

There’s one story from the 1940s that tells us a lot about Finnish resilience and humour. In the Winter War, Russia told the world that their incendiary bombs were in fact food parcels for their long-suffering neighbours. So the Finns sarcastically named the bombs ‘Molotov bread baskets’ after the famous Russian foreign minister. When they used hand-held bottle bombs on Soviet tanks, the Finns said their ‘Molotov cocktails’ were a drink to go with these generous food parcels.

Everyone’s involved

Times have changed, but the threats remain. I first read about ‘Total defence’ three years ago in the UK press, when a client had mentioned it to me. Later it received more attention when a potential policy to introduce ‘National Service’ was being discussed. What would this look like?

To summarise how things work in Finland, I’ve picked out five of the many groups who make an essential contribution:

Young men

Every year, thousands of young men do their military training, learning skills such as weapons handling and survival tactics. They are conscripted, and the backbone of Finland’s reservists. Civilian service is also an option and includes working in hospitals and humanitarian organisations. People understand the importance of non-military roles in defending the nation. 

Young women

Military service for women in Finland is voluntary. The women who choose to serve get the same training – and duties – as their menfolk. Their numbers have grown significantly. Organizations like the National Defence Training Association offer defence training for women, covering areas like first aid, crisis response, and marksmanship.

Teachers and their pupils

To combat disinformation and propaganda, schools teach critical thinking. It’s a core subject in their national curriculum. As a result, Finland was recently rated the European nation that’s most resistant to fake news – for the fifth time in a row.  Other initiatives such as security education ensure that schoolchildren have basic survival skills, and know what to do in case of emergency. 

At home, their families are asked to keep emergency supplies (or kotivara) of food, water, and other essentials. Families play a key role in fostering resilience, and in Finland this has a special poignancy. During WW2, the government evacuated 70,000 ‘sotalapset’ or ‘war children’, mostly to Sweden. This was done with the best intentions, but led to tough psychological challenges and the trauma of separation. (These absences could last several years. A 2005 film ‘Mother of Mine’ explores the emotional journey of a young lad sent to Sweden during this time).

Local politicians and civil servants

Local government is crucial because municipalities are responsible for services like water supply, health care, and transport during a crisis. Beyond this, a good example of their role lies in the 72-hour preparedness model. This initiative teaches residents how to survive independently for three days. 

Private businesses

Finland’s private sector is also tied into the whole system. By law, food and utility companies must ensure the continuity of essential services. So supermarkets and logistics companies work with local authorities to deal with supply chain disruptions. The energy sector collaborates with the government to protect infrastructure against cyberattacks.

The private sector also supports military readiness. Finnish technology companies, experts in cybersecurity, underpin national defence by protecting their infrastructure from potential threats.

Working together

Finland’s ‘total defence’ is a testament to collective action and resilience. By involving every demographic and sector, its citizens can address a wide range of modern threats. From conscripts and schools to families and businesses, each group plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation. They understand it and are proud to live it.

Reading about ‘Total defence’ was a powerful inspiration for me. On leaving the UK Armed Forces, I set up ‘Los Leones’ to create a group that would connect veterans, serving military and civilians. So perhaps a little bit of Finnish spirit has made it to our own shores?

Learn more:

What Was the Winter War?

Film review: Mother of Mine

How Finland Fights Disinformation

War with Russia? Finland has a plan for that

Finland fuels children’s future with financial literacy and food