Quote Originally Posted by Papewaio View Post
The main point being that not all small nations blame larger ones for their problems or are less able in creating change.
Your New Zealand example is very convincing indeed. I have been trying to figure out why NZ is an apparent exception to a rule that seems to apply so well in Europe.

Maybe it's because NZ didn't face outside pressure during its modern history, with the exception of a rather remote but serious Japanese threat during WWII. As far as I know, NZ has had no quarrels with its neighbours over language, territory and minority issues, no nosy great powers who wanted to control it. This might explain its relaxed treatment of painful issues from the past.

Suppose that, say, Australia had championed the cause of Maori 'independence' from the central NZ government for the past one hundred years. NZ's attitude with regard to Maori's and to its own treatment of them would be much more cramped...

You agree?

Quote Originally Posted by Stephen Asen View Post
I am afraid you conveniently pretend to misunderstand my arguments (or I simply did not explain them well, which is my fault then).
Because of the way you put it (Finland solved the German question and firmly showed the Soviets the error of their ways) I couldn't suppress a giggle. Sure, Finland didn't do all wrong, it was not a Finnish Socialist Soviet Republic. But I am sure that given the choice, a large majority of Finns from 1945 onwards would have opted for freedom and independence instead of Soviet 'brotherhood and friendship'.