‘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, often in the nude. The Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosts the "Diplomatic Sauna Society" events, where influential people like politicians, diplomats, and journalists gather to network and discuss serious topics in a relaxed, informal setting of the sauna.

🙋 Q&A

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

1. What are the key points about how the Finnish government conducts diplomacy through sauna sessions?

• The sauna allows for deeper, more open discussions compared to formal meetings, as people are "half-naked or even sometimes completely naked"
• There is a "golden rule" that "whatever happens in the sauna stays in the sauna" to ensure full trust and confidence
• Sauna is a common part of everyday life in Finland, with 3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million people
• The Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosts the "Diplomatic Sauna Society" events to invite influential people to experience the sauna together as a means of networking

2. What are the benefits of conducting diplomacy through sauna sessions, according to the article?

• It allows for longer, more in-depth discussions compared to regular business meetings
• It promotes an openness and makes people lower their guard, as the private setting behind closed doors encourages more candid conversations
• It provides a memorable experience that helps cultivate close relationships, which can lead to easier access for future meetings

[02] The Diplomatic Sauna Society Events

1. How are the Diplomatic Sauna Society events structured?

• There are two types of events:
  • Monthly gatherings at the Finnish Embassy with 15-20 people, where attendees go through the sauna ritual and then socialize in the bar area
  • Weekly sauna sessions hosted by the ambassador at his private residence, which can accommodate about 10 people

2. What is the reaction to these sauna diplomacy events?

• They are highly sought-after invitations in Washington, D.C., with the embassy receiving several requests per week
• Attendees appreciate the informality and welcoming atmosphere compared to typical embassy events
• Invitees value the opportunity to network while also engaging in a healthy activity