Finland's Stubb on Europe's War Preparedness

The big question hanging in the air: Is Europe truly prepared for war? Finland's President Alexander Stubb, speaking on BloombergOriginals, offers a compelling perspective rooted in his nation's philosophy: the better you prepare, the less likely you are to find yourself in a war.

Finland isn't just talking the talk; it's walking the walk with some seriously impressive military stats:

Artillery Powerhouse: Get this – Finland boasts a larger artillery than France and Germany combined, despite its smaller size!
Citizen Soldiers: Thanks to obligatory military service, Finland ranks seventh globally in total military personnel per capita. With 900,000 trained men and women (including President Stubb's own son and Stubb himself), and 280,000 reserves ready for wartime, they're truly prepared.
Air Superiority & Long-Range Reach: They're equipped with 62 F-18s, just acquired 64 brand-new F-35s, and possess long-range missiles for land, sea, and air. They also share the biggest artillery arsenal with Poland.

President Stubb lightheartedly clarifies that this formidable defense isn't because they're worried about Stockholm, but rather a clear demonstration of their commitment to peace through strength. While acknowledging that some parts of Europe may not be as prepared, he sees a positive trend, noting that many nations are "waking up" and increasing their readiness to "avoid the worst."