Interoperability: An Intertwined Phenomenon Requiring Multidimensional and Multilevel Coordination and Cooperation

The compatibility of the activities of allied actors is essential for NATO’s collective defence. But theoretical and practical discussions regarding interoperability remain largely confined to the military-to-military framework, focusing on the development of effective military activity. Such an approach often treats a crisis or conflict as if it occurs in a vacuum, isolated from other actors and their respective tasks. By analyzing Finnish national reports on the Afghanistan operation, this study provides a holistic view of interoperability. In this broader context, interoperability is presented as an intertwined phenomenon that combines multidirectional dimensions (military-to-military, non-military-to-military, political-to-coalition, and political-to-military) with multilevel dimensions (operational, strategic, and political). This perspective highlights the need for a deeper understanding of multidimensional coordination and cooperation to effectively respond to a wider spectrum of threat.