This master thesis examines the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Finland's foreign and security policy. Finland was deliberately chosen because, unlike other European states, it is in close geographical proximity to Russia. Moreover, the relationship between Finland and Russia is complex and has a long history that includes periods of cooperation, but also periods of tension and conflict. The aim of this thesis is to analyse the change in Finland's foreign and security poli... zobrazit celý abstraktThis master thesis examines the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Finland's foreign and security policy. Finland was deliberately chosen because, unlike other European states, it is in close geographical proximity to Russia. Moreover, the relationship between Finland and Russia is complex and has a long history that includes periods of cooperation, but also periods of tension and conflict. The aim of this thesis is to analyse the change in Finland's foreign and security policy since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The thesis will answer the following research questions: What specific changes in Finnish foreign and security policy have occurred as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?; What impact has the Russia-Ukrainian war had on Finland's security and foreign policy and how has this policy evolved since the beginning of the invasion?; What were the factors that contributed to these policy changes?; Who were the main actors of these changes?; What were the immediate consequences of these changes? There have been three main changes in Finnish foreign and security policy. Finland's security policy has been fundamentally altered by joining NATO. The main primary factor was the Russian invasion of Ukraine - an external shock. The primary actor that caused the change in Finnish-Russian relations is again Russia and its invasion of Ukraine - the external shock. This was also supported by the government, which from the outset spoke out strongly against Russia and condemned the invasion. As regards closer cooperation with Sweden, the external shock (the Russian invasion of Ukraine) can also be identified as a major factor. Moreover, even to a lesser extent, the leaders can be considered as the primary factors. The thesis concluded that the changes in question have ushered in a new era of Finnish foreign and security policy. For the first time in its history, Finland became a member of a formalized military alliance and abandoned its decades-long neutrality. |