The Rachman Review

Finland's president on Europe in a Trumpian world

Jan 23, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Stubb, former Prime Minister and President of Finland, shares insights on Europe's strategic position amid a changing world order. He highlights the urgent need for increased defense spending in Europe, especially with the looming Russian threat. Stubb also delves into Finland's NATO membership and the necessity for greater European cooperation against rising far-right movements. He emphasizes the importance of sovereignty and self-determination while drawing parallels between Finland and the current struggles of Ukraine.

24:34

Creator website

Episode guests

Alexander Stubb

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

President Stubb emphasizes the importance of NATO for European security, advocating for increased defense spending amid rising threats and far-right movements.

The discussion illustrates Finland's military preparedness as a model for Europe, highlighting the necessity for nations to reassess their defense strategies in light of current geopolitical challenges.

Deep dives

Europe's Strategic Role and Preparedness

Europe's position in global affairs is under scrutiny, particularly in light of Ukraine's ongoing conflict and potential future dynamics. The necessity for Europe to take a more active role in ensuring peace and security is emphasized, with acknowledgment of President Zelensky's warning about Europe's risk of irrelevance if defense spending remains low. The discussion esteems Finland as a model for military preparedness, highlighting its integration with NATO systems and substantial reserve capabilities, which underscore the need for individual European nations to assess their own defense strategies. Finland’s historical experiences shape a mindset centered on resilience and readiness, reinforcing the imperative for Europe to enhance collective defense mechanisms.

Intro

2min

Finland's Defense and Ukraine's Struggle

10min

Europe's Economic Challenges and Competitive Landscape

2min

The Implications of Russian Imperialism and Economic Turmoil

2min

Finland's NATO Membership and Global Security Dynamics

9min

As Donald Trump begins his second term as US president, and Russia presses forward in Ukraine, Gideon Rachman speaks to Finland’s President Alexander Stubb about Europe’s place in the world. They also discuss the risk of strategic irrelevance in Europe, the rise of the far right, Finland’s position in Nato – and whether other European countries need to be a bit more like Finland. Clip: Reuters

Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachman or Bluesky @gideonrachman.bsky.social.

Gideon Rachman is the chief foreign affairs commentator at the Financial Times. You can find his column here.

More on this topic:

‘Will President Trump even notice Europe?’ asks Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Davos agenda turns to dealmaking as Trump takes office

Trump and the contest between two visions of democracy

Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.

Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Lulu Smyth, Manuela Saragosa and Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.