Dictionary

Finlandize en · VERB

Etymology

From Finland + -ize.

Meanings

1. (transitive) To control a smaller or weaker nation's foreign policy through intimidation, while that nation remains nominally independent.
   • A Marxist plan to "Finlandize" Honduras in an effort to spread subversive violence throughout Central America has been denounced by Steadman Fagoth, commander in chief of the anti-Sandinist insurgent Indian force called Miskitos, Sumus, and Remas (MISURA). 1983, Daily Report Latin America, volume 83:
   • Americans seem extremely afraid that the Soviet Union could “Finlandize” solidly capitalist countries in Western Europe (that is, make their foreign policy accommodating without changing their domestic system), but they have no sense that they might Finlandize Nicaragua, let alone Cuba. 1986, Jerry F. Hough, “Conclusion”, in The Struggle for the Third World: Soviet Debates and American Options, Brookings Institution, →ISBN, page 283:
   • The removal of American troops would be construed by the Kremlin as an invitation to Finlandize Europe. 1977, Parameters Journal of the US Army War College, volume VII, number 2, United States Army War College, page 9:
   • Do you think that Russia with Eastern Europe would not have tried to not only neutralize, but Finlandize Germany? 1971, The Cold War: Origins and Developments Hearings Before the Subcomittee on Europe..., 92-1, June 7, 11, 14, and 18, 1971, United States Congress, page 143:
   • “One can Finlandize a democracy,“ says a former Sandanista foreign policy advisor. ”To think one can Finlandize a totalitarian country is pure fantasy.” 1985, Charles Krauthammer, Cutting Edges: Making Sense of the Eighties, Random House, →ISBN, page 173:

Forms

Relateds

Finlandization