Trust in International Relations: Case-Study of Russian-Finnish Cooperation

Abstract

The importance of trust in international relations is constantly stressed by the outstanding politicians and other distinguished public figures. The research focuses on Russian-Finnish relations during the period since 2000 till 2008. It aims to the assessment of the role of trust in the process of establishment and development of the Russian-Finnish cooperation. In this connection, first of all, I try to consider category of trust in international relations on the whole. Theorizing, I demonstrate the distinguishing and similar features in defining trust within the framework of the different theories of international relations. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of trust by the means of constructivism. For the further application of the theoretical findings to the case of Russian-Finnish relations the special methodology is elaborated. It consists in the combination of the qualitative content-analysis and cognitive mapping. The selected research methods are determined by the theoretical basis and the available primary data for the research. The original methodology for the research of the problem of trust can be applied to the other examples of interstates relations. Taking stock to the history of Russian-Finnish relations on the basis of research literature and using the research findings of the case-study, I try to estimate the level of trust in Russian-Finnish relations in the considering period, to reveal the causes of such state of affairs and, particularly, to define the premises, which will promote or hamper the growth of trust between Russia and Finland.