Finland in the New Europe

(Hardback)

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Description

Jakobson tells the story of a small nation that has emerged a winner from the ordeals of the 20th 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.

Reviews

"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
"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
"It could be assumed that Finland's historical experience and present aspect have little to teach us that would throw light on the problems we others have to face at this time. But as the contents of this book will show, this assumption is unwarranted....Mr. Jakobson's authoritative and lucid portrayal of Finland's position should make interesting and useful reading for many (who are) concerned to find the right answers to the peculiar problems of this post-Cold War age."-From the foreword by George Kennan
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
"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

Author Bio

MAX JAKOBSON is a former diplomat who played a key role in the shaping of Finland's foreign policy during the Cold War. As Finnish ambassador to the United Nations, he was America's favorite candidate to succeed U Thant as secretary-general, but in 1971 was vetoed by the Soviets, who preferred Kurt Waldheim. Since leaving government service in 1975, Jakobson has written extensively on international affairs. His books include The Diplomacy of the Winter War and The United Nations in the 1990sA Second Chance. His columns are published frequently in the International Herald Tribune.