Survival against the Odds: the Baltic States at 100

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Baltijos valstybės; Baltijos šalys (Baltic states); Etninės mažumos; Lenkija (Lenkijos karalystė. Kingdom of Poland. Poland); Nepriklaumybė; Nepriklausomybės paskelbimas; Politinė ir socialinė raida; Sovietinė okupacija; Suomija (Finland); Tarpukario laikotarpis; Baltic states; Declaration of independence; Ethnic minorities; Finland; Independence; Interwar period; Political and social development; Soviet occupation.

ENThis essay examines how Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have managed to secure their independence and analyzes how they have dealt with the internal and external challenges to their state-building efforts. It compares the first period of statehood between the two world wars with the current period of independence beginning with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Among the critical external tasks they have faced were deterring former imperial powers, fostering regional cooperation and gaining a voice in international organizations. Internally, consolidating democratic systems and integration of ethnic minorities have been the two most significant challenges. [cambridge.org]