Anticipatory state identity:understanding the Finnish state’s approach to the Arctic

Abstract This paper is an intervention on the understanding of state identity in relation to (anticipatory) changes that have occurred, are taking place, and are expected to happen in the Arctic. Focusing specifically on the Finnish state’s approach to the Arctic, we offer the concept of ‘anticipatory state identity’ in order to comprehend the role of ‘anticipation’ in developing and projecting a ‘state identity.’ In so doing, we argue that what drives Finland’s vision to project itself to be(come) an ‘Arctic state’ is fuelled not only by placing a firm foothold in a region of increasing geopolitical importance but also by a consensus among wide-ranging actors in prioritising Finnish Arcticness in its foreign policy. As such, we first shed light on the concept of ‘anticipatory state identity.’ Then we discuss the global and regional shifts that eventually drove Finland to focus on its Arcticness. Third, we delve into the components and enactments through which Finland projects its Arctic identity. Finally, we conclude that anticipatory state identity bridges the gap between a state’s imagination of itself in the future and how such imaginations are materialised and embedded within state policies through a repetitive deployment of narratives and discourses by numerous practitioners in the present. Accordingly, the applicability of the concept moves beyond the Arctic context as it enables reading of (re)forming state identity in line with its anticipatory vision