FINLANDIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Finlandization is a term used in international relations to describe a situation where a smaller nation, typically located between two larger and more powerful countries, adopts a policy of neutrality and accommodation towards one of the larger countries in order to safeguard its own security and sovereignty. The term originated in the context of Finland's foreign policy during the Cold War, specifically its relations with the Soviet Union.
In a Finlandized state, the smaller country strives to maintain a delicate balance by avoiding antagonizing the more powerful country, often by refraining from pursuing policies or actions that could be perceived as threats. This can entail refraining from joining military alliances, limiting political activities that could be seen as provocative, or aligning its foreign policies to align with those of the influential neighbor.
The concept of Finlandization implies that the smaller nation maintains a degree of independence and conducts its internal affairs as it sees fit, but without posing any significant challenge or obstruction to the larger country's interests or security concerns. This policy is often criticized as compromising the smaller nation's full sovereignty, as it may require making concessions or compromises to avoid adverse repercussions.
The term "Finlandization" has also been used more broadly to describe situations where a country or organization voluntarily adjusts its policies and behavior to align with a dominant power, even in non-military and non-security related matters. It emphasizes the idea that smaller states or entities can find themselves maneuvering strategically to ensure their own security and survival in a complex international system.
Common Misspellings for FINLANDIZATION
- dinlandization
- cinlandization
- vinlandization
- ginlandization
- tinlandization
- rinlandization
- funlandization
- fjnlandization
- fknlandization
- fonlandization
- f9nlandization
- f8nlandization
- fiblandization
- fimlandization
- fijlandization
- fihlandization
- finkandization
- finpandization
- finoandization
- finlzndization
Etymology of FINLANDIZATION
The word "Finlandization" is derived from the term "Finlandization" (in Finnish, Suomettuminen), which originated in the context of the Cold War and the international relations of the mid-20th century. The term has its roots in the foreign policy of Finland and its unique position during that time.
Finland, a neighboring country of the Soviet Union, pursued a foreign policy of neutrality after World War II. In order to maintain its independence and prevent direct Soviet intervention, Finland adopted a policy of conducting its affairs in a way that would not provoke the Soviet Union. This included limiting its military capabilities, refraining from joining military alliances, and practicing caution in certain political matters so as not to displease the Soviet Union.
This policy was dubbed "Finlandization" by the Western media in the 1960s-1970s.
