Finlandization

American  

[fin-luhn-duh-zey-shuhn] / ˌfɪn lən dəˈzeɪ ʃən /

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.

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Finlandization British  

/ ˌfɪnləndaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of Finlandization

First recorded in 1965–70; Finland + -ization

Example Sentences

This was despite the fact that the most blatant days of Finlandization had ended with the Cold War: no Russian leader had the leverage to influence Finland’s or Sweden’s foreign policy; and both countries had gone a long way toward becoming full-fledged westerners.

From Slate

This deal—which codified a mix of mutual interest, leeriness, and respect—marked the beginning of Finlandization.

From Slate

“Finlandization,” in fact, became a catchword during the Cold War for a small nation carefully moderating its security policies so as not to anger a larger, hostile neighbor.

From Washington Times

He is compared by some to Urho Kekkonen, who took power in 1956 and ruled Finland for 25 years, during the so-called Finlandization period of the Cold War.

From New York Times

He added that he was steadfastly opposed to a “Finlandization” of Ukraine, a reference to the neutral status of Finland during the Cold War that ensured its independence.

From Washington Post