Podcast Summary

LSE: Public Lectures and Events

Episode: More Cooperation is More Security: Towards European Coherence in International Affairs
Speaker: Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (Foreign Minister of Finland)
Date: November 8, 2011
Host: LSE Film and Audio Team

Overview

This episode features Dr. Erkki Tuomioja, Foreign Minister of Finland and a leading expert on European and international affairs, presenting a compelling argument for increased cooperation within the European Union (EU) and beyond as the path to greater security. He challenges traditional views of sovereignty and security, discusses the EU's strengths and weaknesses, and explores how models like the Nordic welfare state can inspire Europe’s future.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Outdated Notions of Sovereignty and Changing Global Realities

• The classical approach to sovereignty is obsolete.
  • Dr. Tuomioja opens by critiquing the post-Westphalian system, stating the “concept of absolute sovereignty is a fiction that does not reflect reality any more.” (04:54)
  • International relations today are shaped by interdependence: states, NGOs, multinational companies, and even individual consumer choices have major influence.
  • Foreign policy now involves “real interaction with people,” and non-military issues (climate change, cyber threats, global commons) have become central security concerns.

“The multitude of various interest groups, non-governmental organizations, multinational companies, social media and other phenomena... are reshaping both domestic politics and international affairs.” – Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (05:28)

The EU’s Challenges: Demography, Instability and Populism

• The EU’s member states now face slow growth, aging populations, and debt crises, making deep cooperation both more difficult and more urgent.
• Populism and nationalism are on the rise, and public unrest sometimes turns violent, threatening the EU’s cohesive future.
• He warns that the window to adapt to sustainable development is short (“only a few decades”) due to rapid population growth and consumption increases. (07:00)

The Legacy and Achievements of European Integration

• The EU’s origins in peace-building: The 1950s saw former rivals build cooperation through economic integration, culminating in political union and shared foreign/security policies.
• Each major stride in integration often emerged from crisis (e.g., Balkan conflicts spurred EU security/defense policymaking).
• The EU's actions—on climate (Kyoto), legal systems (ICC), trade (Doha Round), and the Middle East peace process—have been crucial, but current EU leadership is “weaker today than it has been at best,” and reinforcement is needed. (11:33)

“Many, if not all, of these processes... are stalling or need reinforcement. This cannot be blamed on the EU, but we have to recognize that the leadership shown by the European Union is weaker today than it has been at best.” – Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (13:34)

What Europe Must Do Now: Three Key Steps

Dr. Tuomioja lays out a three-pronged plan:

• 1. Better use of existing treaties: Fully implement the Lisbon Treaty, especially supporting the High Representative and the EU External Action Service for coherent foreign/security policy. (17:46)
  • Calls for member states to commit, stop micromanaging, and avoid mandates that are too unclear or restrictive.
• 2. Continue enlargement: Croatia’s membership is a positive sign; keeping the prospect open for countries like Turkey is strategic for Europe’s credibility and influence.
  • Warns against backsliding on commitments, highlighting the EU’s role as an agent of stability in the Western Balkans and beyond.
• 3. Increase responsiveness to citizens:
  • The EU should better explain and defend the ongoing value of integration, and prioritize citizens’ concerns (trade, climate, poverty, rights).
  • Calls for better mechanisms to monitor and enforce adherence to rules and policies.

“We are not seeking to opt out of Europe or our responsibilities, but what we do want to see is everybody respecting the rules…” – Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (18:05)

The EU as a Unique “Sui Generis” Power

• The EU is not trying to be a military superpower; its strength lies in pooled sovereignty and a breadth of instruments: economic, developmental, and—especially—civilian crisis management.
• However, the “wonderful array of instruments” is effective only when used coherently.

“A more coherent European role will complement European countries’ bilateral relations as well as work done in other fora such as NATO and the Council of Europe.” – Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (26:39)

The Nordic Model: An Example and Inspiration

• The Nordic countries’ history of coopera­tion—in security and elsewhere—has made them “an example for wider European integration,” from passport-free travel to social welfare.
• Recent efforts have included deeper military and crisis management cooperation; their model of combining competitiveness with social equality is lauded.
• Nordic pragmatism, openness, and solidarity (as shown supporting Iceland in crisis, or in response to the Utoya tragedy) are presented as replicable attributes for the EU’s future.

“Foreign and security policy in the Nordic countries has been based on pragmatism, on values but not ideologies, on openness to international cooperation.” – Dr. Erkki Tuomioja (33:46)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On Europe’s responsibility:
  “Even those who otherwise regard themselves as Eurosceptics think that Europe should have a stronger voice in international management.” (34:24)

• On ‘beauty contests’ among nations:
  “We have openly shared our views and experiences with those who are keen to understand why all the five Nordic countries usually end up among the top 10 in most international beauty contests, where countries of the world are rated on the basis of their educational achievements, environmental responsibility, social welfare, competitiveness or even happiness.” (31:55)

• Wry humor on Nordic exceptionalism:
  “By the way, my absolute favorite among these beauty contests is the index of failed states, which shows that Finland is the least failed state in the world. And I particularly like this because the term least failed state implies that we too can have some failures and that we too can do better.” (32:26)

Highlighted Timestamps – Important Segments

• 00:00–04:16 – Introduction and context by Moderator
• 04:16–10:30 – Dr. Tuomioja on outdated sovereignty and new security challenges
• 10:30–15:44 – Historic roots, the evolution of EU integration and its crisis-driven nature
• 15:44–26:22 – Three key steps: better use of treaties, continued enlargement, engaging citizens
• 26:22–34:59 – The EU as a unique global actor; the Nordic model as inspiration
• 35:09–44:36 – Q&A: High Representative, enlargement (Ukraine/Turkey), Russia, defense spending, bilateral vs. EU-level cooperation, applying the Nordic model

Q&A: Further Elaboration and Reflections

• Q (35:35): Should the High Representative of the EU show more leadership?

  • Dr. Tuomioja: Yes; needs more room to lead, less micromanagement by member states.
  • Highlights lingering compartmentalization among EU commissioners.

• Q: EU enlargement – countries like Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia?

  • Ukraine is not excluded, but membership is a long process.
  • Turkey: hope for a membership date within 10 years.
  • Russia: Hopes for renewed partnership, closer alignment with EU values, but progress is slow and uncertain.

• Q: Shrinking defense budgets and bilateral vs. EU-level cooperation?

  • Military capabilities are necessary but not the answer to today’s threats.
  • Supports advancing common EU defense policy; bilateral pacts should not undermine pan-European cohesion.

• Q: Can the “law-abiding” Nordic model be replicated in Southern Europe?

  • Not expecting cultural change overnight, but rule adherence is essential; mechanisms for monitoring/enforcement are key.

Conclusion: The Call for Revived Cooperation

Dr. Tuomioja emphasizes that while the EU faces considerable internal and external pressures, the only way to overcome them and have real security is through “more cooperation.” He closes by appealing for a revival of political will, better leadership, and learning from successful regional models to ensure the EU can meet global challenges.

“We need each one to contribute in shaping the EU to be what we all expect it and want it to be. And this is also what our citizens deserve.” (34:59)