Finland Foreign Relations

Finland Country Studies index

Finland - Foreign Relations

Foreign relations

Finnish foreign policy is aimed at preserving the nation's political and territorial integrity and safeguarding the continuity of its national existence. Geographical reality-- having the Soviet Union as a neighbor, and defeat in World War II led Finland to adopt a postwar national security policy of maintaining its freedom of action by dissociating itself from the conflicts of major powers. The main feature of contemporary Finnish policy, therefore, is neutrality. As the official political doctrine, nonalignment has helped in the establishment of friendly relations with other countries regardless of their political systems.

Within the framework of Finnish neutrality, there are three important policy orientations: a special relationship with the Soviet Union; a traditional policy of close collaboration with the other Nordic countries--Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland; and an active policy as a member of the UN.

More about the Government and Politics of Finland.

Neutrality
Soviet Union
Nordic Europe
Western Europe
United States
United Nations and Third World

 
You can read more regarding this subject on the following websites:

Foreign relations of Finland - Wikipedia
Finland | Foreign Affairs
Finland's Foreign Policies - Baltic 21
Finland - U.S. Department of State | Home Page
Finland Iran Foreign Relations | Critical Threats


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