The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security

The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security

From War Studies by Department of War Studies

December 17, 2025 · 49 min

About this episode

This episode discusses Finnish intelligence and security with insights from an analyst at SUPO.

This episode introduces The Helsinki Brief, a podcast mini-series on Finnish intelligence and security. Hosted by Dr Paul McGarr of King’s College London, the discussion features Hannamiina Tanninen, an analyst at Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO), about the role and structure of civil intelligence in Finland. The discussion covers SUPO’s legal mandate, core functions such as counterterrorism, counterespionage, cyber intelligence and security vetting, and its cooperation with domestic and international partners. The episode also addresses key security threats, including terrorism, cyber activity and state-based intelligence operations, as well as public trust, recruitment and oversight within Finland’s intelligence system.

People in this episode

Host: Dr Paul McGarr

Guest: Hannamiina Tanninen

Topics covered

  • Finnish intelligence
  • security
  • counterterrorism
  • cyber intelligence
  • public trust
  • oversight

Keywords

  • Finnish intelligence
  • SUPO
  • counterespionage
  • cyber security
  • security threats
  • intelligence operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Finnish Security and Intelligence Service

Places: Finland, King’s College London

More episodes of War Studies

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the War Studies podcast page.