Finland has ended its era of military non-alignment and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as its 31st member. President Sauli Niinisto announced Finland’s official membership in a statement released on April 4, 2023.
The President highlighted that joining the military alliance will provide security for Finland and strengthen its international position. He also mentioned that Finland applied to join NATO alongside Sweden.
NATO, also known as the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 31 member-states, including 29 European countries and two North American countries. It was established after World War II, and the North Atlantic Treaty was signed in Washington, D.C. on April 4, 1949.
The collective security system of NATO ensures that its independent member-states agree to defend each other against attacks by third parties. During the Cold War, NATO was a check on the perceived threat posed by the Soviet Union. The alliance continued to operate after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and has participated in military operations in various regions, including the Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
The organization’s motto, animus in consulendo liber, translates to “a mind unfettered in deliberation.” NATO’s expansion through the inclusion of Finland is a significant development for the organization and strengthens its presence in Northern Europe.
Finland’s membership in NATO has been met with mixed reactions from neighboring countries, including Russia, which has expressed concerns about the expansion of the alliance. However, President Niinisto has emphasized that Finland’s participation in NATO does not pose a threat to any country.
In conclusion, Finland’s decision to join NATO marks a significant shift in its military and foreign policy. It will provide greater security for Finland and increase its influence in international affairs. NATO’s expansion through Finland’s inclusion shows the organization’s continued relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape.
