ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Finlandization

Finlandization is the idea that a country should have a strong relationship and work closely with another country, usually a much bigger one, in order to remain independent. This means that the bigger country can have a say in matters that involve the smaller one, as long as they don't take away its independence. Finland did this with the Soviet Union in the past, and today they continue to have close ties with Russia.