Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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Finland and a Changing World: Conversation with Olli Rehn, Research Director, University of Finland; February 26, 2003, by Harry Kreisler

This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our guest today is Olli Rehn, who is a former member of both the Finnish and the European Parliaments. A leading member of the Center Party, he is now a Research Director at the University of Helsinki.

  1. Background ... influence of home town ... parents ... teachers ... education
  2. Politics ... entry into politics ... anti-apartheid movement ... first offices ... skills required
  3. Finland and the European Union ... importance of being part of Europe ... career in Europe ... debate on joining the Europe Union ... necessity and opportunity ... broader perspective in EU institutions
  4. Politics in Finnish Democracy ... complexity of constituency ... offices held in Center Party ... consensus on technology policy ... labor rigidities ... bringing European insight to the Finnish debate ... challenge of entrepreneurship
  5. Navigating Change in Domestic Politics ... from dependency on the Soviet Union to membership in the European Union ... consequences for domestic politics ... "spy scandal" ... case of Professor Alpo Rusi ... need for truth and reconciliation commission
  6. Challenges Confronting Finland ... Nokia versus Microsoft ... challenge of Chinese market ... between old and new Europe
  7. Conclusion ... advice to students ... theory and practice in politics

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