The Finnish Model of Conscription

Abstract

Abstract The Finnish conscription model dates to the end of the nineteenth century when Finland was still an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. Conscription has maintained its legitimate role as the basis of the armed defence ever since. The chapter explores Finland’s conscription programme as a policy success over time and covers which factors have fortified the endurance of the programme for over a hundred years. It also discusses the counternarratives that have been used to challenge the policy success of the programme of conscription. All Finnish citizens are subject to a national defence obligation by constitutional law. Conscription is mandatory for men, and their service completion rate varies due to political, social and health reasons. The law for volunteer military service for women came into effect in 1995. Conscription in Finland forms the basis for a political programme of national defence. The armed defence of the state is part of Finland´s national defence policy and comprehensive security. The endurance and legitimacy of conscription has traditionally held strong support among politicians and public opinion. The conscription model has been challenged in the political sphere with either the opportunity to transition to a professional standing army or to a mandatory, gender-neutral national service model for the entire age group. A professional standing army would be a costly alternative compared to an economically efficient conscription model. It is more likely that in the future a gender-neutral national service model will become relevant in political discourse.