The Shifting Nordic Winds

Today is the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Washington which created the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO. Today also marks a significant moment in the alliance's seven decade long history - Finland has become the 31st member.

Finland has always maintained a policy of neutrality in international affairs, but its recent decision to join NATO represents a significant shift in the politics of the Nordic region. NATO is a military alliance established in 1949 between North American and European countries. The primary purpose of NATO is to provide collective defense against potential security threats, particularly from the former Soviet Union.

The historical importance of Finland joining NATO cannot be overstated. For one, it would be a significant strategic shift in the region, as Finland is one of the few Nordic countries that is not a member of the alliance. It would also enhance the collective defense capabilities of NATO, as Finland has a well-trained and well-equipped military being one of the few European nations to have retained a policy of conscription.

Additionally, Finland joining NATO would be a symbolic gesture towards the country's past. Finland has had a complex relationship with Russia, which has at times been hostile.

Finland and Russia share a long and complicated history. Finland was part of the Russian Empire from 1809 until 1917 when it declared independence during the Russian Revolution.

Finland fought two wars against the Soviet Union during the Second World War, with the Winter War of 1939-1940 and the Continuation War of 1941-1944. Finland also maintained a policy of neutrality during the Cold War, even as other Nordic countries joined NATO. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War marked a new era in Finnish-Russian relations. The two countries established diplomatic relations and signed a Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance in 1992.

However, tensions between the two countries have resurfaced in recent years. Russia's annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine have raised concerns in Finland about its own security. Finland has increased its defense spending and strengthened its military capabilities in response to these developments. Finland has also deepened its cooperation with NATO in recent years, participating in NATO-led military exercises and hosting NATO troops on its soil.

By joining NATO, Finland is signaling that it is ready to move past its historical conflicts with Russia and to align more closely with the West.

However, there are also concerns about Finland joining NATO. Some Finns are worried that membership would harm the country's relationship with Russia and increase the likelihood of conflict. Finland has always maintained good relations with Russia, and many Finns fear that joining NATO would be seen as a provocation by their eastern neighbor, whose justification for recent hostilities has been in retaliation to NATO expansion. Finland's ascension to the alliance doubles Russia's border with NATO members.

Another concern is that NATO membership would limit Finland's foreign policy independence. As a member of NATO, Finland would be obligated to contribute to the collective defense of the alliance, which could involve participating in military operations outside of Finland's immediate region. This could be seen as a violation of Finland's neutrality policy, which has traditionally involved avoiding any military alliances that could drag the country into a conflict. The Finns must consider the threat posed by Russia is significant enough to depart from over a century of neutrality.