Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently concluded a busy visit to London, engaging in high-level diplomatic meetings and public speaking events. His itinerary included an audience with King Charles III, a lecture at the London School of Economics, and a speech at Chatham House. Stubb also held discussions with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 10 Downing Street. During his visit, President Stubb shared insights into Finland's comprehensive approach to national defense, emphasizing its readiness for potential conflict.

Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, maintains a robust defense posture despite a population of 5.5 million. The nation boasts one of Europe's largest militaries relative to its size, with approximately one-sixth of all Finns trained for combat through a broad conscription program. This mandatory military service for men, and voluntary for women with potential future draft requirements, is seen as a unifying force within society.

The Nordic country has invested decades in building extensive civil defense infrastructure, including a vast network of nuclear bunkers beneath its urban and suburban areas capable of sheltering 87 percent of its citizens. This readiness extends to the civilian population, who are encouraged to follow a "72-hour concept," preparing them to survive for three days without essential services such as electricity, heating, water, and food. Finnish companies also form an "industrial reserve," with plans to restore critical services swiftly following any invasion. This "whole society" approach to defense is difficult to replicate, but Finland aims to share its best practices with NATO allies.

President Stubb highlighted that Finland's resilience stems from its historical experiences, including the Winter War against the Soviet Union between 1939 and 1945. This history fostered a self-sustaining spirit and expertise in areas like Arctic warfare, ultimately leading to the country's accession to NATO in 2023 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Stubb underscored the importance of cognitive capacity to endure discomfort, stating, "You fight wars on the battlefield, but you win them at home."

The Finnish leader noted that other European nations are considering similar defense measures amid growing security threats. He pointed out Finland's high willingness to fight for its country, exceeding 80 percent, significantly higher than Britain's 35 percent. Stubb also warned that modern warfare capabilities mean major capitals like London face similar risks from Moscow as Helsinki.