Russia's Baltic Security Dilemma (original) (raw)

2003, India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs

The three Baltic States-Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became independent in September 1991 after disintegration of the Soviet Union and went back to Europe from where they were brutally cut off in 1940. For Russia, the independence of the Baltic States meant the loss of strategically important tenitones. However, Russia's foreign and security policy efforts were being made to preserve some influence over the Baltic States and they were characteristically referred to as the zone of Russia's special interests. Russia's recognition of Baltic States independence in 1991 was the way to overcome the consequences of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact and was in itself important for Russia's democratization and westernization. But since 1994, with the decision of Baltic states of joining the PFP (partnership for peace) programme and declare their wish for the full-fledged membership inNATO and the European Union, the Baltic security dilemma has had a major impact on Russia. This region became a meeting point of new principles of international relations which would now be put to test. Despite a number of historical, political and cultural differences between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, they are usually not differentiated between and are treated as awhole, ie., the Baltic States. Historical Background Baltic States, Estonia and Latvia, before the period of Russia's rule began in early 18th century, were more influenced by Northern Europe, i.e. Sweden, Denmark and Germany, while Lithuania, because of its union w i t h Poland was more influenced by Central Europe. Estonia's and Latvia's statehood began in the 20"' century, while Lithuania's statehood started back in the 13th century.' In Estonia and Latvia Protestantism was firmly established, while Lithuania remained a Catholic state.'