On the chessboard of international politics, Finland's every move has attracted a lot of attention. On April 4, 2023, the Nordic country officially became the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), marking the official end of its long-standing policy of neutrality. Behind this decision is a complex set of domestic and foreign political dynamics and strategic considerations.
Finland's accession process has not been easy. The Turkish parliament and Erdogan approved Finland's application at the end of March, removing the last hurdle. On the eve of Finland's parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Marin's Social Democratic Party (SPD) did poorly in the election, winning only 43 seats, far below the other major parties, reflecting the country's domestic divide over NATO membership.
Finland's history and geographical location place it in a unique position in international politics. After World War I, Finland gained independence from the Tsar**, and during World War II it clashed with the Soviet Union and eventually had to cede part of its territory. During the Cold War, Finland chose a neutral position, a strategy that allowed it to gain a certain balance and interests between the Eastern and Western camps.
However, as the international situation has changed, Finland's policy of neutrality has been challenged. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited the position of the Soviet Union, but its strength was much less than before. Despite this, Finland still faces a potential threat from the east, prompting Finland to revisit its security strategy.
Finland's accession is undoubtedly a strategic victory for NATO, as it strengthens NATO's military presence on Russia's western borders. However, the decision has also sparked controversy in Finland. Many fear that this will turn Finland from a relatively safe neutral country into a front line of international conflicts.
In the current international situation, Finland's accession is seen as an important strategic step. Tensions between NATO and Russia have been exacerbated by the antagonism between the two sides over Ukraine. Finland's decision could further exacerbate these tensions and could even affect the security landscape across Europe.
Overall, Finland's accession to NATO is a complex decision that involves not only Finland's domestic politics, but also its historical background and international status. This decision could have far-reaching implications for Finland's future security and international relations. In these uncertain times, both the Finnish people and the Finnish people need to carefully weigh their national interests to ensure that their choices will bring long-term security and prosperity to the country.