The Estonian National Defence Scene and Finnish contacts with it, 1986-1996
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
The Estonia Center in Helsinki
Topic of the dissertation
The Estonian National Defence Scene and Finnish contacts with it, 1986-1996
Doctoral candidate
Master of Social Sciences, Master of Science (Economy) Markus Anaja
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Humanities, History, Culture and Communications Studies
Subject of study
History
Opponent
Docent Olli Kleemola, University of Turku
Custos
Professor Kari Alenius, University of Oulu
The Estonian National Defence scene and Finnish contacts with it, 1986-1996
This study aims at creating a picture of the Estonian national defence scene (or field) in the 1986–1996 period. In addition, it looks at the different forms of contact with Finnish authorities, NGO’s and individuals.
The concept of national defence scene (or field) is used to determine what actors were present within the limits chosen and the organizational framework they worked in. The prevailing set of values and other factors are also considered. In this study the term “military defence” also includes matters related to the defence will, history politics and traditions.
The research period covers two phases (Part III of this study). The first covers the “new national awakening”, beginning approximately in 1986 and culminating on August 20th, 1991, when Estonia declared the re-establishment of its independence. The second phase describes the process of building the necessary structure of an independent state during the years 1991–1996.
The necessary historical context is provided in Part II. Chapter 3 gives a brief overview of the Estonian defence scene and its Finnish connections up to the end of World War 2. Chapter 4 covers the Soviet occupation from 1944 and the subsequent “World of Two Estonias”. It describes the Soviet military and para-military apparatus and the compulsory or professional military service of the Estonians, but also the resistance activities. The “second Estonia” consists of the diaspora created by the large number of refugees from Estonia in many Western countries. Their activities are included as far as has been seen necessary.
From the end of the 1980s, the number of actors in the defence scene increases considerably, largely in the form of civil activism or informal groups. Some of these also had contacts with Finnish NGO’s and private individuals. When independence had been re-established, the number of official contacts with Finland increased rapidly. The most important was the training given by the Finnish Border Guard and the Finnish Defences Force. Some defence related NGO’s were actively establishing contacts with the Estonian defence scene and some Finnish individuals arranged weekend training sessions for both the Estonian defence forces and the volunteer Defence League (Kaitseliit).
The source material is very variegated, scattered and fragmentary, due to the subject matter. Documentary sources are rare and hard to access.
The research revealed several – at least in Finland – little known aspects of the development of the Estonian national defence scene. This applies to the Soviet occupation period, the “new national awakening” and the re-independent period. There also emerged some less well-known facts relating to the support provided by the Finnish authorities, voluntary defence and heritage associations as well as by individual volunteers.
The concept of national defence scene (or field) is used to determine what actors were present within the limits chosen and the organizational framework they worked in. The prevailing set of values and other factors are also considered. In this study the term “military defence” also includes matters related to the defence will, history politics and traditions.
The research period covers two phases (Part III of this study). The first covers the “new national awakening”, beginning approximately in 1986 and culminating on August 20th, 1991, when Estonia declared the re-establishment of its independence. The second phase describes the process of building the necessary structure of an independent state during the years 1991–1996.
The necessary historical context is provided in Part II. Chapter 3 gives a brief overview of the Estonian defence scene and its Finnish connections up to the end of World War 2. Chapter 4 covers the Soviet occupation from 1944 and the subsequent “World of Two Estonias”. It describes the Soviet military and para-military apparatus and the compulsory or professional military service of the Estonians, but also the resistance activities. The “second Estonia” consists of the diaspora created by the large number of refugees from Estonia in many Western countries. Their activities are included as far as has been seen necessary.
From the end of the 1980s, the number of actors in the defence scene increases considerably, largely in the form of civil activism or informal groups. Some of these also had contacts with Finnish NGO’s and private individuals. When independence had been re-established, the number of official contacts with Finland increased rapidly. The most important was the training given by the Finnish Border Guard and the Finnish Defences Force. Some defence related NGO’s were actively establishing contacts with the Estonian defence scene and some Finnish individuals arranged weekend training sessions for both the Estonian defence forces and the volunteer Defence League (Kaitseliit).
The source material is very variegated, scattered and fragmentary, due to the subject matter. Documentary sources are rare and hard to access.
The research revealed several – at least in Finland – little known aspects of the development of the Estonian national defence scene. This applies to the Soviet occupation period, the “new national awakening” and the re-independent period. There also emerged some less well-known facts relating to the support provided by the Finnish authorities, voluntary defence and heritage associations as well as by individual volunteers.
Created 26.6.2026 | Updated 29.6.2026