Seminar · 14.09.2023 · 10:00 - 16:00
The post-Cold War liberalist view, according to which interdependences supported a virtuous cycle of mutual gains, has given way to a realist-tinged view that regards economic interdependence as a cause of insecurity and an element in conflicts. In this new environment of increasing great power competition and technological decoupling, all states are not created equal. Major states such as the United States and China can be system shapers, whereas small states tend to be system takers. Major states have a greater ability to use their investment leverage, supply chain dominance and core technology control to exert leverage. For smaller states with open economies, such as Finland and Sweden, these capabilities of major powers create vulnerabilities in the form of security risks of foreign ownership, supply disruptions and critical technological dependencies. The seminar ponders how small states can mitigate such risks.


Programme:

Introduction of the ForAc project:
Mikael Mattlin, Research Professor, FIIA

Perceptions of risks: Shifting European views of China:
Shaun Breslin, Professor, Warwick University

Research findings from Delphi backcasting exercise:
Elina Sinkkonen, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Liisa Kauppila, Senior Researcher, University of Turku

Comments:
Sirkka Heinonen, Professor Emerita of Futures Studies, University of Turku

Finland’s and Sweden’s different approaches to investment screening:
Oscar Almén, Senior Researcher, Head of the Asia Program, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
Liisa Kauppila, Senior Researcher, University of Turku

Comments:
Lasse Puroma, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment

Challenges in China’s domestic innovation ecosystem:
Outi Luova, Director, Asianet, University of Turku
Junhua Zhu, PhD candidate, University of Turku

Panel discussion and Q&A:
How can small states enhance their preparedness for uncertain futures?

Chair:
Shaun Breslin, Professor, Warwick University

Panel discussion:
Sirkka Heinonen, Professor Emerita of Futures Studies, University of Turku
Sinikukka Saari, Research Director, FIIA
Christian Fjäder, Managing Director, Geostrategic Intelligence Group
Elina Sinkkonen, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA

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The Finnish Institute of International Affairs is an independent research institute that produces high-level research and topical information on international relations and the EU to support political decision-making as well as scientific and public debate both nationally and internationally. The Institute also publishes a journal, Ulkopolitiikka (Finnish Journal of Foreign Affairs). The responsibility for the views expressed ultimately rests with the individual experts. Find out more: https://www.fiia.fi/en