An essay

I thought I’d now post an essay I wrote for Russian security policy -course. I decided to write it in English ’cause I figured it would benefit me more (also it would then count towards this ALMS-course so haha). But, without further ado, here it is:

 

According to Arnold Wolfers’ 1952 article titled “National security as an ambiguous Symbol”, many people who believe national security should be the priority of a nation, are afraid of external threats on their country. That would somewhat still be fit in contemporary Russia because of Russians’ view of state. Nations tend to create protection and security through the use of power. That is, I think, especially the case in Russia, which is a really large and powerful country in the worlds retrospectrum. Their president, Vladimir Putin, exercises his sole power many times using sometimes even quite controversial means, such as threatening or implying “terms and conditions” to other countries. He uses these means to gain leverage, and on many occasions, he uses this leverage, at least on the surface, to enhance the security policies of Russia.

One of such mediums, putting all reliance on armaments and alliances, is viewed by many to be better than pursuing total neutrality. Compare this view, widely used in Russian politics, i.e. to the one used here in Finland, and you’ll notice the major difference between these means – even though Russia’s means have for sure softened a bit from the days of the Cold War. Finland is a truly neutral country, partly because of its history and geopolitical position on the map, while Russia can be seen in a vastly different light in the world politics. So, Wolfers’ almost 70 years old article is quite competent in this light.

Still, security as a symbol, if used incorrectly, can create more doubt than there should be. Adding to the possible doubt over what security is, is the idea of security being still just a mean towards some bigger goal or end. Protection and preservation of national core values have been thought to be such ends themselves. I think that thought fits in neatly to contemporary Russia and its security policy – especially considering their current foreign policy, in which, for example, NATO and EU are seen as not-so-welcome institutions, and as the biggest threats to Russian security and nation. Security is also a value comparable to power and wealth. Together, and separately, these things are important to international affairs. What’s notable though, is that putting all focus on security is a big burden on a nation’s economy, an idea presented In Wolfers’ article, that is still relevant. It is argued by the fact that the more a nation contributes its recourses to security, the less assets are available for other areas. Russia’s economy is in a slight downfall, which might be explained in part by their conservative and anti-EU antics, and their contemporary security policies.

 

Gig & convo

In this post I’ll tell you about this one Friday night in late February, when myself, and my friends Matti and Iivari went to this concert at Korjaamo. DJ Kridlokk, who is a Finnish rapper, had just dropped a new album titled “Silius”, and was now performing it live for the first time there. The three of us decided to buy tickets and the plans were set for that night. Before the show we gathered to my flat, and had a couple of beers to get to the right mood for such occasion. It was also a perfect opportunity to ease in some English, and so we did. For about two hours we spoke more or less in English about… well, anything that came to mind really: school, music, movies, etc. Those couple of hours passed by fairly quickly, and it was time to head towards the main event of the night.

The doors opened at 8:00 PM, but we were there around 10:00 PM. That was when Tuuttimörkö, a supporting artist for the show, and a friend of Kridlokk’s was set to take the stage. And so he did, precisely at 10:15 PM hahah. He was soooo good too, and he really got the anticipating crowd going and ready for the main gig, that was of course Kridlokk’s. He performed the whole album, in order, and it was as good as expected, maybe even better. The setlist was as follows:

1. Mönjä 3:01
2. Harvin aine 2:03
3. USB 2:57
4. Siri 3:23
5. Hävisin 3:54
6. Oon Paperi T 3:14
7. Oon Eevil Stöö 3:13
8. Varaani 3:46
9. Eli 3:38
10. T-800 3:20
11. Jos 4:43

For me the most anticipated moment was when he got to the sixth track of the album, “Oon Paperi T”, which is performed by Paperi T, who is my absolute favourite among the now countless pack of Finnish rappers. Why did I look forward to it so much then? Well, I really wanted to see if the man himself was there to perform the song. Sadly for me, and many others I’m sure, he wasn’t there… or so we thought. He did in fact come to the stage right at the end of the song just to wave for the now enthusiastic and cheering crowd. He wasn’t bothered about performing that night, so he was there just to enjoy a good show like the rest of us, and I really don’t hold it against him haha! Anyway, overall, the show was splendid! Kridlokk was as good as ever and he got us crowd members along fantastically. I mean I really like the new album, and the live show was just as good as I thought it would be. If you ever get a chance to see him perform live, I urge you to do so. You won’t be disappointed!

The album cover of “Silius”