The issue of the expansion of international interaction and cultural stereotypes, and their effect on the levels of communicative competence and the willingness to participate in international cooperation is addressed. One specific form of national stereotype, the reflected autostereotype, is described. An examination of reflected autostereotyping is made using the Finnish society and its overall relationship with Swedish society as an example of how cultural stereotyping, usually showing up in national languages, inhibits effective communication and stifles cooperation and coexistence. Some study results are revealed that indicate that Finns, because of their anticipation of negative outcomes from communications with foreigners, avoid such contacts. Other evidence points to a general weakness of the Finnish ego that would explain their stereotypes. The overall problems of Finnish intercultural skills, their perception of the self and their stereotypic prejudices against foreign cultures, are seen as not easily solvable. Behavior and attitude change are seen as key, but there is no established methodology to date that would appear to be effective enough or not burdened with many problems in implementation. (GLR)