Finland and the New International Economic Order

Abstract

Vesa, U. Finland and the New International Economic Order. Cooperation and Conflict, XIV, 1979, 105-120.

Finland's position towards the NIEO issues can be explained by two sets of factors: first, her overall foreign policy 'ideology', which is characterized as an active, peace-seeking policy of neutrality, and secondly, her position in the international system and in the international division of labour. Structurally, Finland has a kind of intermediate position, which allows more room for political and diplomatic manoeuvering than other countries have in discussions concerning global development issues. Due to her intermediate position on the North-South axis, Finland also has similar short-term interests with developing countries in some issues. . Because of these two sets of factors Finland's policy in some phases since 1974 may have come closest to the developing countries. While Finland thus has acquired the image of a progressive capitalist country, her poor record in development assistance has undermined her foreign policy credibility. It can be expected that along with increasing trade and development cooperation with developing countries the role of self-interests becomes a more pronounced background factor also for Finland, whereby her progressive image might further be en dangered.