It is commonly used in reference to Finland's policies in relation to the Soviet Union during the Cold War, but it can refer more generally to similar international relations, such as Denmark's attitude toward Germany between 1871 and 1945, or the policies of the Swiss government towards Nazi Germany until the end of World War II.
Walaupun istilah ini seringkali mengacu kepada hubungan Finlandia dengan Soviet selama Perang Dingin, terdapat pula contoh-contoh lain dalam sejarah hubungan internasional, seperti hubungan Denmark dengan Jerman dari tahun 1871 hingga 1940 atau kebijakan pemerintah Swiss terhadap rezim Jerman Nazi sebelum Perang Dunia II.