| dc.description.abstract | This Master's Thesis analyses how Finland handled the seemingly difficult security political situation that emerged in the aftermath of Russia's annexation of Crimea. Considering the unequal power relation between Finland and Russia, it is also an assessment of how the weaker part handled an asymmetrical relationship. Hans Mouritzen's (1988) theory of adaptive acquiescence therefore serves as the theoretical framework for the analysis. This theory stipulates that a regime orientation can be labelled adaptive acquiescence if a regime is submitting to external pressure through adaptation and toleration of infringements in order to preserve its core regime values (Mouritzen, 1988, p. 61-62). Due to a distinct element of causality, this is analysed as a theory-testing process tracing, and is consequently also an evaluation of the theory. The main finding is that Finland to a large extent displayed acquiescent adaptive behaviour during the period under analysis (18 March 2014 - 31 December 2016). This was done through a combination of indirect adaptive acquiescence, where adaptive measures are initiated with potential allies against the perceived threat, and direct adaptive acquiescence, where adaptive measures are directly related to the presumed threat. I find the theory largely to still be fruitful despite its unnecessary complexity. | eng |