HS Teema Explores What Finland Would Be Without Sweden

A comprehensive 100-page special edition of HS Teema delves into the intricate relationship between Finland and Sweden, exploring what Finland might be without Swedish influence.

According to Professor Petri Karonen, Sweden's impact on Finland is profound and pervasive, evident in the enduring traditions of the rule of law, good governance, and a societal atmosphere of trust. Finland's unique geopolitical position, nestled between the stable and prosperous Sweden and the unpredictable and dangerous Russia, has fundamentally shaped its national character and resilience.

The magazine examines the economic prowess of Sweden throughout the 21st century, posing questions about potential lessons for others. It also traces major political shifts over recent decades, noting that Finland and Sweden have not always advanced in lockstep toward their European Union and NATO memberships. Correspondent Aino Vasankari highlights global events that have unexpectedly captured Swedish interest in Finland.

Personal reflections on the relationship with Sweden and the Swedish language are shared by prominent figures such as Arja Saijonmaa, Axel Åhman, Elisabeth Rehn, Peter Nyman, Li Andersson, and Henrik Meinander. The cover story features Mark Levengood, detailing his remarkable journey from a school dropout in Espoo to a trusted figure in the Swedish court, who now hosts major national events on television.

HS Teema is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to in-depth exploration of single topics. The upcoming issue in October will focus on the poet Eino Leino.