Tehonlippuna

Tehonlippuna is a Finnish term used in political communication and rhetoric to describe the strategic presentation of power as a public symbol or banner. The word combines teho, meaning power or force, with lippuna, a form of lippu meaning flag or banner, used here figuratively to indicate power presented as a public emblem.

In analysis, tehonlippuna refers to situations where a leader, state, or organization foregrounds demonstrations of strength—such as displays of military capability, economic performance, or technological achievement—to legitimize authority or mobilize support. It emphasizes symbolic signaling and affective impact over substantive policy argument and is distinct from policy-focused persuasion and traditional propaganda.

Usage of the term appears primarily in Finnish-language scholarship and commentary. It is considered a relatively niche concept and may be encountered mainly in studies of symbolic politics, authoritarian rhetoric, or contemporary political communication. Because it is a neologism, its precise boundaries and definitions can vary between analysts.

See also: Soft power, Symbolic politics, Propaganda, Political communication.