Towards Symmetric Defence, 1982–89

Abstract

The 1980s have in many ways been the culmination of Finland’s foreign policy efforts in the post-war era. In the economic and political realms Finland has continued to integrate itself into the West via several organisations. Its relations with the Soviet Union have been deprived of most of their secrecy and duplicity. In domestic debate constraints have been removed and free discussion of all aspects of the Finnish post-war experience has ensued. In military defence policy, developments have been equally conspicuous. Finland has built a modern defence force which through its doctrine, force structure and deployment of forces signals Finland’s resolve to defend against both East and West.