ABSTRACT
A strategic shock is defined as an event that is perceived as unexpected, deeply consequential and demanding counter measures by the political authorities in a particular state. Clearly, the Russian military attack on Ukraine was, however, perceived as a strategic shock by the Swedish politicians. The voters were presented with two alternatives: to become a part of the Russian Federation or to remain a part of Ukraine. The Cabinet noted that the events in Ukraine had proved that Russia was prepared to break the fundamental principles of international relations and resort to extreme measures to achieve its political aims. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs did not explicitly mention either Ukraine or Islamic State in its report from September 2014. Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the uncertainty surrounding President Putin's intentions were sources of concern. In the broad political agreement, the increased capacity of the Armed Forces was a result of the threats from both Russia and the Caliphate.
