Finland is often considered a neutral country, having a long-standing policy of neutrality in international relations. However, neutrality doesn’t always mean impartiality, and Finland’s relationship with Russia is a clear example of this.
Finland shares a long history and a border with Russia, and the two countries have had a complex relationship for centuries. During the Cold War, Finland maintained a policy of neutrality, but it also had to navigate the pressure from the Soviet Union. This led to Finland pursuing a policy of “active neutrality,” which sought to maintain friendly relations with the Soviet Union while also protecting Finland’s own interests.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Finland’s relationship with Russia has continued to be complex. On the one hand, the two countries have deep economic ties, with Russia being one of Finland’s largest trading partners. On the other hand, there are also political and security concerns, particularly in light of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite these challenges, Finland has continued to pursue a policy of active neutrality in its relationship with Russia. This has led to some criticism, with some arguing that Finland should take a more critical stance towards Russia’s actions. However, Finland’s approach has been to maintain dialogue and communication with Russia while also taking a clear stance on issues such as human rights and international law.
One of the key reasons for Finland’s approach is that neutrality doesn’t mean being impartial. Being neutral doesn’t mean that a country shouldn’t have its own interests or take a stance on important issues. Instead, it means that a country isn’t aligned with any particular military alliance and tries to remain neutral in conflicts between other countries.
For Finland, active neutrality has been an effective way of managing its relationship with Russia. It allows for dialogue and cooperation on economic and other issues, while also being clear on issues such as human rights and international law. This approach has helped Finland to maintain its independence and sovereignty, even in the face of pressure from Russia.
It is important to note that Finland’s approach to Russia is not without its challenges. The country must navigate a delicate balance between maintaining good relations with Russia and protecting its own interests and values. Additionally, there are concerns about how Finland’s neutrality is perceived by its Western partners, particularly in light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In conclusion, Finland’s relationship with Russia is a complex one, shaped by the country’s long history and shared border. While Finland is often considered a neutral country, its approach to Russia has been one of active neutrality. This has been an effective way of managing the relationship while also protecting Finland’s own interests and values.
