USA’s views about future of Baltic Sea region security
LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baltijos jūros regionas; Baltijos šalys (Baltic states); JAV; NATO; Saugumas; Baltic sea rfegion; Baltic states; NATO; Security; US; Rusija (Russia).
ENThis paper expresses author’s opinions, which do not necessarily constitute views of U.S. government or its officials. US media and literature does reflect Baltic Sea regions perceptions of threats to its security, when they occur, however, not always at the same intensity. Some concerns are reflected about Russian government officials remarking about “near abroad”, or their failure to acknowledge the fact of occupation of the Baltic states in 1940, or airspace violations, and unexpected military maneuvers. The US sometimes shows concern about “free rider” issues, potential difficulties in the Baltic about committing forces abroad on missions not directly related to their countries’ defense; force structure, “free rider” issues, difficulties to cultural adaptation, and divergent trends in NATO and EU. Last, but not least, are concerns that new NATO members might slide back and begin to fail in their NATO obligations, or democratic policies. The author concludes that the US intends to heal the apparent divergence of relations with Europe, because it feels not just a great kinship of values with the Europeans, but also economic, political and military reasons. That applies to the Baltic Sea countries as well. [From the publication]
