Demilitarization and International Law in Context ― The Aland Islands

The demilitarisation and neutralisation of the Åland Islands is a confirmation of, and an exception to, the collective security system in present-day international affairs. Its core idea is that there is no need for military presence in the territory of the islands and that they are to be kept out of military activities. A restricted use of military force has a confidence building effect in cases where competing interests may be so intense that banning the very presence of military force remains the only viable option. The regime of the Åland Islands is the result of pragmatic and contingent political compromises. As such, the case of the Åland Islands offers an alternative trajectory to the increased militarisation we witness around the world today.

Through parliamentary and archival materials, international treaties and academic works, the authors examine the legal rules and institutional structures of the demilitarisation regime. In this process they reassess core concepts of international law and international affairs, such as sovereignty and security, and introduce a theoretical view on the empirical case study of the Åland Islands. The book covers legal, political and policy discursive aspects of demilitarisation, international co-operation, defence and security matters around the Baltic Sea with a broader European and global relevance. It can be a source of inspiration for all those in search of constructive efforts that can address territorial disputes and security challenges.

Sia Spiliopoulou Akermark, Jur. dr., Associate Professor (docent) in international law, Director, The Aland Islands Peace Institute (Finland). Her work focuses on diversity, autonomy, the use of force and international law and its institutions.

Saila Heinikoski , Ph.D. (Political Science), M.A. (University of Turku, Finland). Her work focuses on the European Union, European and national foreign and security policies, mobility and political discourses.

Pirjo Kleemola-Juntunen, LL.D., LL.Lic., LL.M., Postdoctoral Researcher, Northern Institute for Minority and Environmental Law/Artic Centre, University of Lapland. Her work focuses on international law in particular the law of the sea and international environmental law.