Minna Ålander

Minna Ålander, an expert on Nordic-Baltic security, joins Mykhailo Soldatenko, a Harvard scholar specializing in international law, to dissect recent Russian air incursions into NATO territory. They discuss whether NATO's responses have been proportional and the legal implications of these actions. Key points include the intentionality behind airspace violations, the high thresholds for NATO obligations, and the U.S. government's hesitancy in response. Their insights provide a deep dive into the complexities of military strategy and legal frameworks in the current geopolitical climate.

Minna Ålander, an associate fellow at Chatham House, and Max Bergmann, director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, dive into NATO's new 5% defense spending target. They question whether simply increasing budgets will boost military effectiveness and discuss the significant challenges facing European cooperation in defense. The conversation touches on the need for modernizing military equipment and reassessing defense strategies to counter threats from Russia, stressing the importance of cohesive, innovative approaches in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Minna Ålander, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, delves into the pressing geopolitical tensions surrounding Finland and its new NATO membership amid Russian military activities. She discusses Finland's historical context with Russia and its strategic military readiness, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other Nordic and Baltic states. The conversation also explores NATO's need to adapt to the inclusion of Finland and Sweden and the essential role of the U.S. in safeguarding European security against potential Russian threats.