Suomen kehitysyhteistyöpolitiikan perusteiden muutoksesta

Authors

• Kimmo Kiljunen

Abstract

Finnish development co-operation policy did not start out as a clearly defined whole, with comprehensive and systematic guidelines. Only gradually, as the volume of aid increased and experiences accumulated, did its basic goals and the motives for co-operation take shape. It seems possible to distinguish different periods, when different premisses have been emphasized. The characteristics of the various stages could be described as follows: the infant stage, or instrumentalism; first steps, or enlightened self-interest; growing up, or global responsibility; puberty, or commercialization versus solidarity. — Finland is in a kind of intermediate position within the international community both in terms of North-South relations as well as those between East and West. In the latter sphere, her policy of neutrality has created the basis for a mediatory role in questions like European security and disarmament. Similarly Finland’s overall position on the North-South axis, as one of a number of semi-peripheral countries, provides notable possibilities for political and diplomatic initiatives in discussions concerning global development. In this field Finland has, however, been somewhat passive up to now.