Publication

This paper examines some of the structural and cultural factors that lie behind the Finnish strategic experience over the past five centuries. It argues that Finnish strategic culture has been based on three imperatives: non-offensiveness, a strong will to defend republicanism when needed, and a republican/liberal commitment to international society. The paper concludes that realist instruments, such as balance of power policies and war, have played an important role in complementing more liberal strategic practices such as tying Russia into international society.