Europe and Finland

The aim of this study is to explore European unity, with particular focus on Finland. The study argues that political diversity is itself a key characteristic of European unity. It approaches the reasons for this diversity in unity and makes it more concrete through the use of one example - Finland. The first argument of the study is that differences in views concerning European political unity can be explained through differences in political culture and traditions. The second argument is that these differences are of historical origin. The author attempts to point out the divisions in European political culture that are decisive with respect to the present integration project. Western European cultures are first analyzed as far as their general relationship to the idea of political community is concerned. Thereafter, the idea of a united Europe is brought into focus, first in its earlier phases, then in its present form. In the latter part of the book, more careful attention is paid to Finnish political culture and to the way Finland has related to the idea of a united Europe.