Safeguarding democracy requires continuous assessment of intelligence legislation

In his dissertation, Joonas Widlund examines the Finnish intelligence legislation that came into force in 2019. Comparing this legislation to the practices of the European Court of Human Rights and other EU member states, he concludes that the Finnish framework aligns with European standards. Nonetheless, he emphasises the need for ongoing evaluation.

– The current benchmarks cannot be thought of as perfect or final. Intelligence activities inherently lean towards secrecy, which necessitates counterbalance in the form of democratic transparency. This tension cannot be considered permanently resolved – it requires constant management, says Widlund, who will defend his dissertation at the University of Vaasa on 28 November.

According to Widlund, comprehensive oversight of intelligence services, both internally and externally, is necessary to ensure compliance with political objectives and international human rights obligations.

Intensified security discussions challenge democratic values

Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine has intensified security discussions in Finland. In the midst of security threats and crises, there is often pressure to expand intelligence authorisations. However, such an approach carries significant risks.

– As security debates intensify, the defense of democratic values and the rule of law can easily be overshadowed by the focus on short-term threats. We must remember that safeguarding fundamental and human rights is a central aspect of societal security. Abandoning these principles undermines the foundations of democracy and leads to the erosion of the rule of law, Widlund warns.

Widlund’s research offers tools for developing intelligence oversight and legislation. His primary methods include theoretical legal dogmatics and legal philosophy. The research material consists of traditional legal sources and intelligence research. The study contributes to the legal discourse on intelligence activities, which the Finnish Intelligence Ombudsman promotes as part of their legality oversight duties.

Public defence

M.Sc. (Admin.) Joonas Widlund’s doctoral dissertation ”Tiedustelu oikeusvaltiossa” will be held on Thursday 28 November at noon at the University of Vaasa, auditorium Kurtén.

It is also possible to participate in the defence online: https://uwasa.zoom.us/j/65247246014?pwd=7X78h0mJ16CnpHknOtdBQ1eqlFtLRR.1

(password: 992223)

Professor Tuomas Ojanen (University of Helsinki) will act as opponent and Professor Niina Mäntylä as custos.

Dissertation

Widlund, Joonas (2024) Tiedustelu oikeusvaltiossa. Acta Wasaensia 545. Doctoral dissertation. University of Vaasa.

Publication pdf