East-West Economic Cooperation —

Abstract

Recent developments in East-West relations have in some connections given impetus to discussions on the role of small and neutral countries in furthering cooperative processes, for instance, through providing examples. The authors examine the Finnish position and performance in this context, with special emphasis on economic coopera tion. Through a comparative analysis it is found that Finland is exceptional in many respects, and that, in the light of the criteria adopted, she qualifies with reservations as a model. In empirical terms this means that Finland has been exceptionally active in trading with the socialist countries, in initiating new forms of economic cooperation, and in overall responsiveness. The possible implications of the Finnish model for East-West cooperation in the future are also taken up for discussion.