Discussion on the crisis in the Caucasus has taken on sharply contrasting tones in Finland and Sweden.
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has compared Russia’s actions with the policies of Nazi Germany before the Second World War. Finnish politicians feel that Russia’s actions have not given cause to re-examine Finland’s foreign policy line.
On the official level Finland has taken a very cautious line on the matter.
Finland has even-handedly appealed to both sides to resolve the conflict. Far-reaching conclusions about neo-Finlandisation should not be made on this basis, however, as Finland’s current position as Chairman of the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe forces the country to be especially cautious when drawing up statements.
On an unofficial level, the thinking is different.
Many military experts see Russia’s new kind of use of military strength as a clear change in the security environment. The country is rapidly taking back the credibility that belongs to a great power, which also affects Finland’s position.
Furthermore, the government’s next report on security policy, which currently is under preparation, is considered to be excessively optimistic. It does not take into consideration the fact that our neighbour is a great power at war, whose threshold to resort to taking up arms is low.
Nor is Finland without interest to the great power: there will soon be more Russian-speakers than Swedish-speakers in this country.
