Redefining national identity through security discourse: Finland’s transition from military non-alignment to active defence cooperation

In response to the geopolitical shift following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Finland abandoned its long-standing military non-alignment policy and by 2023 had joined NATO and entered into a bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the United States. This article employs Critical Discourse Analysis to examine securitisation acts in plenary speeches in the Finnish Parliament and editorials and opinion pieces in national and regional level newspapers from the beginning of the discussions related to the DCA in October 2023 until the end of 2024. The aim is to analyse how the paradigm shift in Finland’s security approach was perceived in both media and political discourse. This article examines the reception of what is arguably the most significant security-related paradigm shift in Northern Europe in the 2020s. The findings illuminate a consensus-seeking tone in Finland’s public security discussion. While historical narratives of wartime experiences with Russia feature regularly, rhetoric framing alliances as opportunities to enhance Finland’s international image shaped the discourse, demonstrating how actual securitisation acts may be less pronounced when national identity is rooted in historical us vs them divisions. Despite broad public support for military alliances and partnerships, concerns about the limited public debate and citizen engagement emerged, alongside anxieties about the future U.S. administration and its stance on the U.S. role in NATO. Nevertheless, for many, abandoning non-alignment, joining NATO and entering into bilateral collaboration with the United States through the DCA symbolised the final step in fully aligning with the West reflecting ongoing negotiations over the Finnish self-identity.