On the Finland Watch: An American Diplomat in Finland during the Cold War

SYNOPSIS

Cooper was political counselor of the US Embassy in Helsinki from 1976-1979, and was responsible for analysis of Finnish political developments and of Finland's foreign relations. He presents a US perspective on Finland during the Cold War period, describing both Finnish politics and his family's efforts to adapt to Finnish society. Includes b&w personal and historical photos. The author also served as deputy ambassador in Finland and as director of the State Department office of Northern European affairs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Cooper presents the western super powers' perspective [on Finland] and provides a valuable addition to the too-rare descriptions of Finland by American diplomats. Especially interesting are�Cooper's analytical accounts of Finnish politics. The descriptions of the Cooper family's period in Finland� Cooper penetrated deeply into Finnish society.  — Ambassador Paavo Rantanen, former minister for foreign affairs and ambassador of Finland to the U.S. Healfingin Sanomat, Sept. 23, 1998

It is rare that a book of this kind give such a clear picture of how quality political reporting is prepared� It is important for the Finnish people to know how seriously and correctly the American embassy assessed political developments and events in Finland.  — Ambassador Henrik Blomstedt, former ambassador of Finland to seven countries, Dec. 8, 1998