Ambassadors from the United States to the Republic of Finland

Political History:

Relations between the United States and Finland began on December 6, 1917 when Finland declared its independence from Russia.

In 1939, Finland was attacked by the Soviet Union. After sustaining a strong defense for three months, Finland was forced to cede 16,000 square miles to the U.S.S.R. During World War II, Finland was pressured by Germany into joining the Nazi regime against Soviet Russia, the result of which was the loss of more land. In 1948, Finland signed a treaty of friendship, assistance and nonaggression with the U.S.S.R.

Although Finland was sympathetic to the West, Finland’s political policy was to stay neutral between the U.S.S.R, its immediate neighbor, and the United States. Because it is a small nation bordered by a large, aggressive neighbor, Finland did not want to give the Soviet Union any reason to believe that it was going to abandon its neutrality. Therefore, despite a united Western effort to establish and maintain an embargo against the U.S.S.R., Finland maintained its neutral stance and continued to trade with the Soviet Union.

During the Cold War, Finland was an important point of interest in American foreign policy. Between the 50s and the 60s, Finland arguably became the most important western trading partner of the Soviet Union. Recognizing Finland’s position, the United States’ policy regarding Finland was to support Finland’s neutrality with the U.S.S.R. while also encouraging Finland’s ties with the West.

The U.S.S.R. dissolved in 1991. Since 1991, Finland has increased its involvement with Western social and economic structures. As Finland has become more ingrained in Western practices, it has reshaped its stance with Russia as non-militant/non-aggressive nation while maintaining a strong defense. Finland joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1994. Also in 1994, Finland elected its first democratically elected president (previously chosen by electors).

Relations Today:

Relations between the United States and Finland today are warm and welcoming. Finland and the United States share an open exchange that extends beyond trade. Each year, approximately 200,000 U.S. citizens visit Finland and about 5000 are residents there. In addition, The United States and Finland participate in a comprehensive education exchange that is impressive for the size of the country.

The Role of Ambassador:

The first appointment of a minister to manage relations between the Finland and the United States was in 1919, two years after Finland declared its independence. The official role of Ambassador was not established until 1954 during the Cold War. Since then, there have been twenty U.S. Ambassadors appointed to Finland, each residing as Ambassador for at least one year before retiring from the post.

Ambassadors in general are diplomatic representatives of the highest authority who are granted full power by their respective countries to represent the head of state. During their Ambassadorship, the Ambassador is granted control of a specific territory called an embassy, which is afforded diplomatic immunity in the host country. Ambassadors who live in the country during their Ambassadorship are called Resident Ambassadors while those that live in their home country and make frequent visitations to the host country are called Non-Resident Ambassadors.

United States Ambassadors are typically selected by the President of the United States. The current Ambassador to Finland is Marilyn Ware, appointed by George W. Bush. Marilyn Ware replaced Earle I. Mack in 2005.

For more information about United States Ambassadors to Finland, refer to the profiles and outgoing links on this website.