Neighbours with a nuclear power

Finland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia were founded almost at the same time, but they have major historical differences, Risto Uimonen writes. "Only Finland managed to remain independent of the Russian Empire for the entire 90 years, although its independence hung by a thread during World War II. ... The little countries' interests were ignored by the victors after the war. ... It is understandable that the Balkan countries wanted quick access to NATO, bearing in mind their difficult history. The countries are still hardly capable of defending their independence in a pinch. They need the additional protection offered by the military alliance to be able to live in peace. ... The Finns believe in the strength of their own army, and place their hopes in diplomacy and avoiding crises through intelligent conduct. But that may prove wishful thinking now that their nuclear neighbour is once more flexing its muscles."

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