Finlandize

Finlandize refers to the policy of strict neutrality pursued by Finland during the Cold War. Following World War II, Finland sought to maintain its independence and sovereignty while avoiding antagonization of its powerful neighbor, the Soviet Union. This policy involved a careful balancing act, where Finland would generally refrain from actions that could be perceived as hostile by the Soviet Union, particularly in matters of foreign and security policy. Key aspects included avoiding membership in Western military alliances like NATO, maintaining a degree of political neutrality, and ensuring that Finnish territory was not used as a base for aggression against the Soviet Union. Despite this neutrality, Finland maintained a market economy and democratic institutions. The term "Finlandization" was often used by critics, particularly in the West, to describe a situation where a smaller nation's foreign policy is heavily influenced or constrained by a larger, more powerful neighbor. While Finland maintained its independence, the policy was seen by some as a form of subtle Soviet influence. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, and Finland's security policy evolved, eventually leading to its NATO membership in 2023.