International Journal of Case Studies (ISSN Online 2305-509X)

VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3
IMPACT FACTOR 4.428

1) Finland’s Role in the European Union’s Foreign Policy: From Neutrality to NATO Membership
Author Details: Dr. Mohsen Zamani ^{1 –}PhD in Political Geography (Political Organization of Space), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran1 E-mail : zamani_m@ut.ac.ir orchid id: 0009-0009-6210-2305
Abstract:
Finland, as a small but strategically important country in Northern Europe, has always pursued a policy of neutrality as the core of its foreign policy. This policy was adopted during the Cold War to avoid conflicts with the two blocs of East and West, allowing Finland to remain safe from military and political threats. With the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and aligned its foreign policy with the values and goals of this organization.
However, international crises such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the war in Ukraine in 2022 led to changes in Finland’s foreign policy. The increasing security threats from Russia, particularly for the Baltic Sea region, prompted Finland to end its traditional neutrality and join NATO in 2023.
This paper analyzes the developments in Finland’s foreign policy from neutrality to NATO membership. It explores the internal and external factors influencing the shift in Finland’s foreign policy, its relations with the European Union and NATO, and the impact of these changes on regional security and geopolitical equations.
As a new NATO member, Finland will play a more active role in Europe’s security and defense policies in the future. This shift, in addition to strengthening Finland’s national security, will also affect collective security in Europe. On the other hand, Finland’s relations with Russia have entered a complex and sensitive phase, requiring precise and strategic policymaking.
In general, the change in Finland’s foreign policy from neutrality to NATO membership reflects significant changes in the security dynamics of Europe following the war in Ukraine. This transformation could serve as a model for other countries in Northern Europe seeking to enhance their security against regional threats.
Keywords: Finland, foreign policy, European Union, NATO, neutrality, European security
[Download Full Paper] [Page 01-08]
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2) Potentials and Development of Krutje Rural Areas
Author’s Details: Msc. Majlinda Rrudha-Shkolla “4 Deshmoret”, Lushnje, Albania
Abstract:
This article explores the crucial role of regional geographic studies in addressing both global and local development challenges, with a specific focus on the Administrative Unit of Krutje in the Lushnje District, Albania. Although regional studies in Albania are underway, limited financial support continues to hinder their scope and pace. Through an innovative, multidisciplinary approach, this research examines the complex interrelations among Krutje’s villages—analyzing natural resources, settlement patterns, and socio-economic dynamics.
The study highlights Krutje’s strategic geographical position, its Mediterranean climate, soil fertility, and agricultural potential, along with pressing challenges such as water scarcity, poor wastewater management, and environmental degradation. Demographic analysis reveals population trends, migration patterns, and socio-cultural transformations, shedding light on educational infrastructure, professional profiles, and evolving community structures.
Drawing on regional geographic theory and available data from INSTAT and local institutions, this research applies comparative and analogical methods to interpret fragmented and sometimes contradictory statistics. Despite data limitations, the study provides a detailed profile of the region’s development potential and vulnerabilities.
The findings aim to contribute to the field of regional geography in Albania while offering practical recommendations for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of cultural identity. In doing so, the research supports the broader goals of reconnecting communities with their land, managing demographic shifts, and ensuring the long-term vitality of Krutje’s landscape and society
Keywords: Regional Geography; sustainable development; Krutje (Lushnje, Albania); socio-economic Dynamics; agriculture development
[Download Full Paper] [Page 09-16]
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