Finlandization

[ fin-luhn-duh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the neutralization of a country in terms of its allegiance to the superpowers, in the way that the Soviet Union rendered Finland neutral and friendly without making it a satellite state or requiring that it adopt Communism.
2. such a neutral status pursued as a deliberate act of policy by a lesser power.

Finlandization

/ ˌfɪnləndaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. neutralization of a small country by a superpower, using conciliation, as the former Soviet Union did in relation to Finland

Word History and Origins

Origin of Finlandization¹

First recorded in 1965–70; Finland + -ization

Example Sentences

U.S. policy should protect Indo-Pacific nations from “Finlandization,” a Cold War term for large authoritarian powers reducing nominally independent countries to functional subservience.

From Washington Post

“I said Putin’s looking for the Finlandization of Europe. He’s going to get the NATOization of Europe,” Mr. Biden said, referencing Finland’s status as a neutral country.

From Washington Times

This is not the time for concessions or the “Finlandization” of Ukraine.

From Seattle Times

Following World War II, Finland was forced to accept a form of nonalignment often referred to as “Finlandization,” in which they had to cede substantial territory but retained nominal independence with substantial political interference from Moscow.

From Seattle Times

Some European leaders are still urging Ukraine to accept a form of “Finlandization” as a compromise with Putin.

From Seattle Times