With Ukrainians demonstrating-as the Finns did during the Winter War of 1939-40-the extreme importance of a will to defend that encompasses every part of society, neighboring Estonia is trying to create one, too. In the most recent annual survey conducted by the Finnish Ministry of Defense, 82 percent declared themselves willing to take on tasks-military or civilian-supporting the country’s defense in the event of invasion.īut Finland has prepared itself for this ever since it was last invaded, during World War II.
But while many people may support the idea that their country should be defended, governments must channel such willingness into practical tasks, and then demonstrate to the prospective aggressor that the country is willing and able to thwart any attack.įinns are famously willing to defend their country. The will to defend is, in fact, decisive for countries facing aggression. When Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, it was shocked to find Ukrainians of all kinds were willing to defend their country-some by serving in the military, others by keeping civil society going.
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