BBC: What does Finlandization refer to?
Wieslander: It refers to the status of Finland during the Cold War when they had to enter a friendship cooperation and mutual assistance pact with the Soviet Union in 1948 and how they managed their relationship with the Soviets after that. Basically, limiting their sovereignty and space of maneuver to a very large extent, being very compliant towards the Soviet Union. If the Soviet Union thought that Finland should not join the EC or EU or NATO they did not. They did not criticize the Soviet Union officially any ways. Kept very close ties economically, socially.
[Finland was] not neutral in the way that Sweden was neutral, able to balance between the East and West and do things with the US. Finland was supposed to be outside the Soviet Union. It had its own defenses. But there was no doubt that if there was a major clash between East and West during the cold war Finland would definitely be within the Soviet Union’s sphere from the Start.
BBC: Is it a possible solution for Ukraine?
Wieslander: I don’t think so at all. There is a romantic aura around this term, which does not apply. It’s dangerous because Ukraine has been striving towards the West. To become members of the EU. To become members of NATO in the long run. They want democracy. They want a free market. They want a better situation on human rights. And Russia cannot offer any of that.
Further reading
Wed, Feb 9, 2022
Wieslander on “Finlandization” of Ukraine in New York Times
In the News By
“‘Finlandization’ would appear to rule out [the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine] and allow Moscow a heavy hand in Ukrainian affairs — concessions Kyiv and NATO have rejected as unacceptable, ” wrote the New York Times. “All of this goes against what Ukraine has been striving for,” said Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe […]
Tue, Jan 11, 2022
Wieslander interviewed by Radio Sweden on Russian demands
In the News By Anna Wieslander
Russia’s demands that NATO should not expand any further, or face the consequences, has raised concerns over the security of the two Nordic non-NATO members Sweden and Finland. “This is very troublesome for Sweden… and it is not the first time Russia has done this,” Wieslander said.
Fri, Jan 7, 2022
Wieslander on Swedish & Finnish NATO enlargement in RUSI interview
In the News By Anna Wieslander
Sweden and Finland’s freedom to potentially join NATO was recently challenged by Russia. Anna Wieslander spoke with Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) about the reactions in Stockholm and Helsinki. “Overall, Sweden’s response has not been at the same high level of state officials as the response in Finland. One key explanation for this is that […]