Not just soldiers: Finland includes bloggers in military preparedness exercises

Finland is using a unique national defence programme to prepare senior business executives, politicians, journalists, social media influencers and civil society leaders for potential wartime and crisis scenarios, reflecting the country's broader approach to national resilience, Streamline writes.

Held at the fortified Santahamina military base in Helsinki, the invitation-only National Defence Course immerses participants in simulations ranging from cyberattacks and infrastructure failures to full-scale military invasions. The programme is designed to help decision-makers understand their roles during national emergencies and strengthen cooperation between key sectors of society.

According to the report, participants are placed in high-pressure scenarios that require rapid decision-making with limited information. One such participant, banking executive Sara Mella, recalled being tasked with reallocating national budget resources during a simulated security crisis amid reports of a foreign invasion.

Finland’s approach is based on the concept of “comprehensive security,” a model that integrates government institutions, the military, businesses, media organisations and civil society into the country’s defence planning. Developed in the aftermath of Finland’s conflicts with the Soviet Union between 1939 and 1945, the strategy aims to ensure that every critical sector can continue functioning during a major crisis.

Launched in 1961, the National Defence Course has trained more than 10,000 Finnish leaders through 250 cohorts. Participants receive briefings on intelligence assessments, cyber threats and supply-chain vulnerabilities before taking part in extensive crisis-management exercises.

The programme also focuses on strengthening personal connections between leaders across different sectors. Supporters argue that these networks can prove invaluable during emergencies, allowing key decision-makers to coordinate more effectively when responding to security threats.

Interest in the Finnish model has grown internationally as governments seek ways to improve national preparedness amid rising geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and concerns over critical infrastructure security. The report notes that elements of the Finnish approach have attracted attention in countries including Australia, while similar concepts are being discussed in other regions facing complex security challenges.

Addressing one of the latest iterations of the course, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said the programme reflects the realities of an increasingly uncertain world, stressing that preparedness and resilience are essential components of modern national security.

The report argues that as cyber warfare and economic pressure increasingly blur the distinction between civilian and military targets, national resilience depends not only on armed forces but also on the ability of businesses, financial institutions and critical infrastructure operators to function during times of crisis.

By Jeyhun Aghazada