‘Whatever Happens in the Sauna Stays in the Sauna’: Diplomacy, Conducted in the Nude

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses how the Finnish government conducts diplomacy in an unconventional way - through sauna sessions where participants engage in discussions while nude or semi-nude. This practice, known as "sauna diplomacy," is a unique aspect of Finnish culture and is used by the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C. to network with influential individuals such as politicians, diplomats, journalists, and academics.

🙋 Q&A

[01] "Whatever Happens in the Sauna Stays in the Sauna": Diplomacy, Conducted in the Nude

1. What is the "Diplomatic Sauna Society" and how does it operate?

• The Diplomatic Sauna Society is a gathering hosted by the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C. where influential people are invited to experience the sauna together as a means of networking.
• The events are held monthly at the embassy, where attendees are separated by gender, undress (nudity is encouraged but bathing suits are allowed), and go through the sauna ritual of showering, heating up, and cooling off.
• After the sauna session, the attendees gather in the bar area to socialize and enjoy traditional Finnish snacks and drinks.
• The ambassador also hosts weekly sauna diplomacy sessions at his private residence, which can accommodate around 10 people.
• Attendees receive a diploma that acknowledges their "extraordinary sisu (grit)" for conversing effortlessly in the high heat of the sauna.

2. Why does the Finnish government prefer to conduct business in the sauna?

• According to the ambassador, being half-naked or completely naked allows for deeper discussions and a way of talking that doesn't happen in more formal settings.
• The sauna is seen as a space of trust and confidence, where the "whatever happens in the sauna stays in the sauna" rule applies.
• In Finland, the sauna is an integral part of everyday life, with 3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million people. The sauna ritual is a social experience.

3. How do attendees view the sauna diplomacy events?

• The sauna gatherings are seen as a welcome change from the typical "buttoned-up and pretty boring" embassy events in Washington D.C.
• Attendees appreciate the ability to network while engaging in a healthy activity, comparing it to having tough meetings on the tennis court or golf course.
• The atmosphere and ritual of the sauna are seen as promoting openness and allowing people to lower their guard, leading to longer and more in-depth discussions.

[02] The Diplomatic Sauna Society's Influence and Popularity

1. How popular are the Diplomatic Sauna Society events?

• The events are now a coveted invitation in Washington D.C., thanks to Finland's growing influence in international affairs and the desire of busy professionals to live healthier lives.
• The embassy estimates receiving several requests per week from congressmen/women and other influential individuals who want to attend.
• After a journalist wrote about his experience, he received a "flood of people" from the State Department, Pentagon, congressional staffers, and other reporters asking how to get an invitation.

2. Why are the sauna diplomacy events valuable for Finland?

• With Finland's recent NATO membership after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there is increased interest in understanding how Putin's power centers work, and Finland's proximity to Russia makes it a valuable source of information.
• Cultivating close relationships in the U.S. is in Finland's interest, as the memorable experience of the sauna diplomacy events will make attendees more likely to grant the Finns meetings in the future.
• The setup is seen as a win-win, as networking in the nude is considered more effective than traditional diplomatic events.