Case Three: Finland-Sweden—The Territorial and the Irredentist Problems of the Åland Islands 1809–1921

The chapter discusses the Åland Islands, situated between Sweden and Finland, emphasizing their strategic importance and the territorial dispute from 1809 to 1921. Highlighting the islands’ unique status due to their Swedish-speaking population as part of Finland, it explores the conflict's resolution, which involved international intervention by the League of Nations in 1921. This resolution granted the Åland Islands autonomy, demilitarization, and protection of their Swedish identity while remaining under Finnish sovereignty. The case is notable for setting a precedent in international law regarding self-determination and minority rights, demonstrating the role of diplomacy in resolving territorial disputes. The League's decision balanced the principles of national sovereignty and self-determination, establishing a framework for future conflicts involving minority populations.