Finland is notable in introducing the strategy of “Finlandization”, which technically means major power prevailing upon smaller one imposing neutrality in terms of foreign policy, while allowing it to keep its nominal independence. By wooing NATO, Finland wagers on just that!
Once part of the Russian Empire, Finland got its independence in 1907. Its untenable post-World War Two situation saw her being bound by the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance signed in Moscow on April 6, 1948 that rammed on her throat the strategy of “Finlandization” which technically means Finland would remain neutral and would not allow foreign armies to wage war against Russia through her land.
Neutralization has kept Finland going sheepishly from 1948 till the collapse of Soviet Union in 1992. A new protocol was signed in the aftermath between Finland and Russian Federation with several clauses dealing in the area of finance and commerce. Significantly exchange of notes mutually accepted Finland as a peer nation along with Russia. Never the less military non-alignment is implied as one reads between the lines.
Finland meaning “End of land” has 810 miles border with Russia. On the north it shares vast Lapland and in the south it borders on the Gulf of Finland. Incidentally Russian port city of St. Petersburg is much closer to Finnish border than Moscow. Gulf of Finland is the major artery to Russia and St. Petersburg is sacrosanct in Russian psyche.
Bilateral trade between two countries is going stronger than ever. A whopping two – way trade of US$ 13 Billion grants Russia a major trade surplus around US$ 5.5 Billion. Finland imports 65% of her fuel & gas from Russia. Electricity generation using Russian gas is about 6% whereas Russian fuel drives 24% of it. As the westernmost neighbour of Russia, Finland has deftly managed her relationship with Russia with a strategy of overt neutrality and co-operating with NATO in covert operations. Be that as it may, relationship between both countries sallied forth without much of hassle.
The current government headed by Ms. Sanna Marin is locking horns with Putin who once reportedly said that he has no problems Finland getting in cahoots with EU or other economic & political organization. None the less he has cautioned regarding NATO and its grey zone operations. Finland is in mighty hurry to get on bed with NATO after Ukraine hostilities. Recent announcement conveying that Finland is to be formally inducted sooner than later got a measured response from Russia. One came from Sergey Lavrov, beseeching Finland to abide by Finno Russo protocol of 1992 and from Putin a casually worded statement whose ominous content laid bare what is in store: military-technical response.
Just now I heard Russia turning off the gas tap. Fuel might be the next. These are of technical nature. Here comes the military steps. Lurking in the shadow lies peerless modern weaponry that can wipe out Finland as a nation within two minutes. Mind you, Ukrainians are fellow Slavic, Fins are not!
Cheers!
Muthu
Ashraff Rajulu
Business Strategist
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Business Strategist
No comments:
Post a Comment