STRIKE THE TRUTH

This week brings 2024 to a close, capping off a year filled with significant developments and unexpected shifts on the geopolitical stage. Across the globe, many incumbent governments faced unprecedented challenges, with some leaders ousted and others clinging to power by narrow margins. In the United States, Donald Trump is staging a dramatic comeback in the presidential race. The war in Ukraine remains unresolved, while conflict in the Middle East has intensified. Notably, the Assad regime in Syria has collapsed, paving the way for the nation to chart a new course. Meanwhile, conditions in Russia continue to deteriorate. As the year ends, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the key events of 2024 and share thoughts on what we might anticipate in 2025. A YEAR OF TWISTS AND TURNS 2024 was nothing short of unpredictable. In politics, we saw power shift in ways that left many of us stunned. Incumbent leaders faced growing frustration from their people, with economic struggles...

In the frigid winter of 1984, Finland's serene northern landscape was jolted by an unexpected intrusion—a Soviet surface-to-air missile careening off course and crashing n ear Lake Inari. This surreal event not only shattered the tranquility of the Finnish wilderness but also reignited fears of Cold War tensions escalating beyond control. We will republish our past post, on the 40th anniversary of this event. Let's delve into the interesting details and the lasting impact they left on Finland and its relations with Russia.  February 2, 1985 when the missile was brought to the surface.  A SOVIET INTRUDER IN LAPLAND   In the midst of global nuclear tensions and political brinkmanship, the Soviet Union regularly conducted military tests to assert its dominance. However, on December 28, 1984, a routine test launch from the Barents Sea took a disastrous turn. The Soviet surface-to-air missile, suspected to be either an SS-N-3 or SS-N-12 but unconfirmed by the Soviets, veered w...

This week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year and talk a bit about peace in Ukraine. As the holidays approach, it’s a good time to think about what’s happening there, the challenges of finding a resolution, and how the shifting global political landscape could affect things moving forward. In this post, we’ll look at what Christmas on the front line really means, explore the ongoing conversation around peace in Ukraine, and think about how Trump’s potential presidency might shape the conflict.     HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? For Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, the idea of going home for Christmas is almost impossible. Christmas for them will likely mean cold, snow-filled trenches, constant attacks from Russian and North Korean troops, and the endless noise of shelling. Their Christmas dinner, if there is one, might be a few rations shared among comrades under the cover of darkness. For families waiting at home, the holidays can feel equally heavy. While the wo...

This week, let’s take a step back and talk about how the never-ending cycle of bad news can mess with our heads—and what we can actually do to feel a bit better. With all the anxiety around US President Trump being re-electedd, plus headlines about wars, economic issues, and global tensions, you might feel like your stress levels have gone through the roof. But have you ever thought about how all this constant negativity is affecting your everyday life? Let’s explore what this steady stream of bad news does to our brains, and talk about some simple ways to take care of yourself. Together, we’ll go over some tips for staying grounded, recognizing when it’s time to take a break, and focusing on what’s actually in your control.      HOW DOES NEGATIVE NEWS AFFECT US? The news these days can feel like an unending wave of stress, especially here in Finland. Positive stories seem fewer and farther between. If it’s not about budget cuts or polarizing immigration laws, it's anothe...

In recent weeks, I’ve delved deeply into the political turbulence shaking Romania. From the dramatic rise of Călin Georgescu and the contentious second round of elections to the stunning decision by the Romanian Constitutional Court to annul the first round—right as diaspora voting began and just two days before the second round was set to begin—it’s been a whirlwind of events. The public outcry over this decision has been fierce, with many Romanians condemning it as a grave injustice, a constitutional breach, and even a sign of dictatorial ambitions on the part of the President.   In this blog post, we’ll broaden our perspective to examine how similar political maneuvers have been perceived in countries like Georgia, Moldova, and other European nations. We’ll also analyze the rise of right-wing politics, dissecting how their election promises often differ from reality, and explore the growing alignment with the Kremlin—an alignment that poses significant risks to Europe’s sta...

Last Friday, 6th December, was a very interesting day. As I was getting off work, my thoughts drifted to the weekend's plans and our Finnish Independence Day celebrations. But then, an unexpected announcement from the Romanian Constitutional Court caught me completely off guard! In a shocking move, the Court invalidated the first round of the Presidential Elections, forcing the candidates to restart the entire process from scratch.  This week’s blog post dives into this unprecedented decision and explores what it could mean for the future of Romanian democracy.   WHAT HAPPENED EXACTLY? On Friday afternoon, the Romanian Constitutional Court dropped a bombshell: the results of the first round of the Presidential Elections were annulled, and the entire process would have to start over from scratch. Candidates must now re-register, gather signatures, and receive formal approval before they can relaunch their campaigns. This extraordinary and unprecedented decision has no parallel ...

Since Călin Georgescu's unexpected victory, there has been considerable discussion surrounding the legionnaires and Romania's ultra-fascist Legionnaire Movement. This week, we delve into the origins of this movement and examine its resurgence in contemporary Romanian politics. Georgescu is a prominent figure associated with these ideas, but unfortunately, he is not alone in propagating this harmful rhetoric within Romania's political sphere.   WHAT WAS THE LEGIONNAIRE MOVEMENT? The Legionnaire Movement, also called the Iron Guard and formally known as the Legion of the Archangel Michael, was a far-right, ultra-nationalist organization that emerged in Romania during the interwar period. Founded in 1927 by Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, it combined radical nationalism, fervent antisemitism, and Orthodox Christian mysticism. The movement sought to create a " spiritually pure " Romania, free from perceived external and internal threats, particularly targeting Jewish commun...