Finland in the New Europe (Washington Papers) [Paperback]

Max Jakobson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0275963713 | ISBN-13: 978-0275963712

Jakobson tells the story of a small nation that has emerged a winner from the ordeals of the twentieth century. Finland is still widely remembered for its successful resistance against Soviet attempts to subjugate it during World War II, but less is known about the skillful balancing act by which Finns preserved their independence and way of life during the Cold War. Finland is in fact one of the few European nations that can claim an unbroken record of democratic rule ever since the beginning of the 20th century. By joining the European Union, Finland has now finally moved out of Moscow's shadow and, thanks to investment in education and technological development, has joined the dozen most prosperous nations in the world. The Finnish experience casts new light on the central issues facing Europe today--for example, the contradiction between the continuing vitality of nationalism and the pressures of integration, as well as the challenge of how to relate to Russia, still an unknown factor in the European security equation. This is a major work for all scholars and researchers of Scandinavian and European Studies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Jakobson's new book is among the best works to address Finland's past and future in the post-Cold War world. In a well-written...book, Jakobson effectively links Finland's past with its present and future challenges.”–Choice

“Finland? Finland? Why read about Finland, once described as 'much admired, often pitied, never envied?' Max Jakobson, a former diplomat and journalist, provides a beautifully written and essentially optimistic analysis of Finland's role in the new Europe and the new world. No one could have done it better. Finland is now no longer fighting Russia; it is fighting the challenges of globalization. And if Jakobson says it will survive the test, it will.”–Marvin Kalb, Director Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics, and Public Policy John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

“A new book by Max Jakobson--the leading European scholar/diplomat of his generation--is always an intellectual event, especially when the topic is his native Finland, which he has served so ably as a soldier, ambassador, and counselor to presidents. Finland is an admirable nation that has survived and prospered in the 20th century while living in a dangerous neighborhood. No one is better suited to reflect critically on Finland's past and on its future in the post-Cold War world. Max Jakobson writes in a crystal clear, crisp prose with impeccable logic on the challenges facing Finland as the century and a historical era come to a close. His book should be carefully read by all those interested in the future of Europe and Russia as well as in the role of small nations in the world system. I highly recommend it.”–Derek Shearer, U.S. Ambassador to Finland, 1994-1997 Professor of International and Public Affairs, Occidental College

Book Description

Traces Finland's history from Soviet domination to European Union partner.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Paperback (July 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275963713
• ISBN-13: 978-0275963712
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,337,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jakobson captures the essense of the psyche of Finland, April 5, 2001

By 

Matthew Clark (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finland in the New Europe (Washington Papers) (Paperback)

Jakobson, who was Finland's ambassador to the UN and to Sweden, captures Finnish culture extremely well. Beginning with a basic history of Finland, Jakobsen goes on to describe the Finnish problems during World War II with useful details. This of course, is important to know for his analysis of Finnish foreign policy during the cold war. Jakobsen offers a new view of Finland during this period, counter the popular idea of 'The Finland syndrome' which was unfortunately associated with Finland during this time. I studied in Turku during 1999 (Turun Kaupporkorkeakoulu). I wished I would have read this book before I went as it provides true insight into Finnish culture and history!