From neutrality to NATO membership. Finnish security policy in the shadow of an unpredictable neighbour

Abstract

Historical experiences and a long common border with Russia have obviously influenced Finland's security policy, which has been continuous since the end of the Cold War. It was invariably based on: independent and credible defense of its territory (mainly land), membership in the European Union and military non-alignment. A real "revolution" in Finnish security doctrine occurred after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war in its immediate neighborhood forced Finland to revise its security policy. The decision to join NATO is a breakthrough because, as a result, Finland abruptly broke with many years of neutrality and military non-alignment. For the first time in its history, Finland became a member of a formal military alliance. The aim of the text is to analyze Finland's security policy from the adoption of the doctrine of neutrality through partnership with NATO to membership in the Alliance.