The Baltic States from the Soviet Union to the European Union

The Baltic States from the Soviet Union to the European Union PDF Author: Richard Mole
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 113632772X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
The Baltic States are unique in being the only member-states of the EU to have fought to regain their sovereignty from the Soviet Union, only then to cede it to Brussels in certain key areas. Similarly, no member-states have had to struggle as hard as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to preserve their identity after fifty years of Soviet nationality policy in the face of sub-state and supra-state challenges. The post-communist experience of the Baltic States thus allows us to examine debates about identity as a source of political power; the conditioning and constraining influence of identity discourses on social, political and economic change; and the orientation and outcome of their external relations. In particular, the book examines the impact of Russian and Soviet control of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; the Baltic independence movements of the late 1980s/early 1990s; the citizenship debates; relations with Russia vis-à-vis the withdrawal of the troops of the former Soviet Army; drawing of the shared boundary and the rights of Russian-speaking minorities as well as the efforts undertaken by the three Baltic States to rebuild themselves, modernise their economies, cope with the ensuing social changes and facilitate their accession to the EU and NATO.

The Baltic States from the Soviet Union to the European Union

The Baltic States from the Soviet Union to the European Union PDF Author: Richard Mole
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 113632772X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
The Baltic States are unique in being the only member-states of the EU to have fought to regain their sovereignty from the Soviet Union, only then to cede it to Brussels in certain key areas. Similarly, no member-states have had to struggle as hard as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to preserve their identity after fifty years of Soviet nationality policy in the face of sub-state and supra-state challenges. The post-communist experience of the Baltic States thus allows us to examine debates about identity as a source of political power; the conditioning and constraining influence of identity discourses on social, political and economic change; and the orientation and outcome of their external relations. In particular, the book examines the impact of Russian and Soviet control of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; the Baltic independence movements of the late 1980s/early 1990s; the citizenship debates; relations with Russia vis-à-vis the withdrawal of the troops of the former Soviet Army; drawing of the shared boundary and the rights of Russian-speaking minorities as well as the efforts undertaken by the three Baltic States to rebuild themselves, modernise their economies, cope with the ensuing social changes and facilitate their accession to the EU and NATO.

The Baltic States

The Baltic States PDF Author: Thomas Lane
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 113648311X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 708

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Book Description
Since the end of the Cold War there has been an increased interest in the Baltics. The Baltic States brings together three titles, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to provide a comprehensive and analytical guide integrating history, political science, economic development and contemporary events into one account. Since gaining their independence, each country has developed at its own pace with its own agenda and facing its own obstacles. The authors examine the tensions accompanying a post-communist return to Europe after the long years of separation and how each country has responded to the demands of becoming a modern European state. Estonia was the first of the former Soviet republics to enter membership negotiations with the European Union in 1988 and is a potential candidate for the next round of EU expansion in 2004. Lithuania and Latvia have also expressed their desire for future membership of NATO and the EU.

The European Union and the Baltic States

The European Union and the Baltic States PDF Author: Bengt Jacobsson
Publisher:
ISBN: 0415482763
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
This book explores how the Baltic States have adapted to, and been embedded in, a wider European environment and become modern European states; focusing on changes in policies, politics and administrative practices since 1991 in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and on the influence of rules and ideas in the EU.

From Soviet Republics to EU Member States (2 vols)

From Soviet Republics to EU Member States (2 vols) PDF Author: Peter van Elsuwege
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 904744499X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 621

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Book Description
From Soviet Republics to EU Member States addresses the legal and political challenges surrounding the EU accession of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Based upon a profound analysis of the Baltic States’ historic development and international legal status, this book examines the gradual development of bilateral relations between the EU and each of the Baltic countries. It discusses the strategic policy choices made in the EU’s fifth enlargement wave and the consequences of its pre-accession strategies. Specific attention is devoted to the impact of enlargement on the triangular relationship between the EU, the Baltic States and Russia. Finally, the constitutional changes within the Baltic States and within the European Union itself are taken into account.

A History of the Baltic States

A History of the Baltic States PDF Author: Andres Kasekamp
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350307289
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
In this key textbook, Andres Kasekamp masterfully traces the development of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, from the northern crusades against Europe's last pagans and Lithuania's rise to become one of medieval Europe's largest states, to their incorporation into the Russian Empire and the creation of their modern national identities. Employing a comparative approach, a particular emphasis is placed upon the last one hundred years, during which the Baltic states achieved independence, endured occupation by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, and transformed themselves into members of the European Union. This is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking modules on Eastern or Central European History, Communism and Post-Communism, the Soviet Union, or Baltic Culture and Politics. Engaging and accessible, this is also an ideal introduction to the Baltic States for general readers.

Euroscepticism in the Baltic States

Euroscepticism in the Baltic States PDF Author: Aldis Austers
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789934567063
Category : Baltic States
Languages : en
Pages : 239

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Book Description
The book explores the neglected issue of Euroscepticism in the Baltic societies. The book consists of a collection of articles from experts in economics, politics and sociology, as well as Eurosceptic politicians. Authors from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia seek to unveil not only the development of criticism towards the European Union in the Baltic politics over the last twenty-five years, but also sceptical opinions among the Baltic entrepreneurs and the sociological profile of Baltic population, looking separately at the Russian-speaking population in Estonia and Latvia. This book is the most recent successful collaboration between the Latvian Institute of International Affairs and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Strategic Frames

Strategic Frames PDF Author: Jennie L. Schulze
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
ISBN: 0822983095
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 381

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Book Description
Joseph Rothschild Book Prize Honorable Mention Strategic Frames analyzes minority policies in Estonia and Latvia following their independence from the Soviet Union. It weighs the powerful influence of both Europe and Russia on their policy choices, and how this intersected with the costs and benefits of policy changes for the politicians in each state. Prior to EU accession, policymakers were slow to adopt minority-friendly policies for ethnic Russians despite mandates from the European Union. These initiatives faced majority opposition, and politicians sought to maintain the status quo and their positions. As Jennie L. Schulze reveals, despite the credit given to the democratizing influence of European institutions, they have rarely produced significant policy changes alone, and then only when domestic constraints were low. Whenever domestic opposition was high, Russian frames were crucial for the passage of reforms. In these cases, Russia’s activism on behalf of Russian speakers reinforced European frames, providing powerful justifications for reform. Schulze’s attention to both the strategic framing and counter framing of external actors explains the controversies, delays, and suboptimal outcomes surrounding the passage of “conditional” amendments in both cases, as well as the local political climate postaccession. Strategic Frames offers a significant reference on recent developments in two former Soviet states and the rapidly evolving spheres of political influence in the postindependence era that will serve students, scholars, and policymakers alike.

The Baltic States and Their Region

The Baltic States and Their Region PDF Author: David James Smith
Publisher: Rodopi
ISBN: 9042016663
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 329

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Book Description
With EU and NATO membership for the Baltic States now a reality, this volume examines the relationship of the three countries, their constituent peoples and their surrounding region to the wider Europe, both historically and in the period since 1991. In particular, the contributors seek to locate the Baltic area within the manifold debates surrounding the concepts of "new" and "old" Europe, including those occasioned by the current conflict in Iraq. Covering issues of identity, sovereignty, minority rights, security and relations with Russia the work assesses the likely contribution of this region to an enlarged Euro-Atlantic community. It will appeal to specialists and students in the fields of area studies, history, politics and international relations.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Country Studies

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Country Studies PDF Author: Walter Iwaskiw
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781490435572
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 334

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Book Description
This volume is one in a continuing series of books prepared by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress. This volume is about Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Politics of Energy and Memory between the Baltic States and Russia

The Politics of Energy and Memory between the Baltic States and Russia PDF Author: Dr Agnia Grigas
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN: 1409471853
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Since the 1990s, Baltic-Russian relations have been amongst the most contentious on the European continent. Energy security concerns, historical legacies, and the status of Russian minorities have all proved key flash points. Baltic-Russian relations have been described as a 'litmus test' of Russia's willingness to leave behind its imperialist ambitions; simultaneously the policies of Tallinn, Riga or Vilnius towards Russia can have a direct impact on EU-Russian and NATO-Russian relations. The Baltic states share similar histories and resources, and face the same geopolitical challenges. All are dependent on Russia for energy yet, as this fascinating study reveals, they have pursued very different foreign policies towards their powerful neighbour. In The Politics of Energy and Memory between the Baltic States and Russia Agnia Grigas provides an unprecedented analysis of contemporary Baltic-Russian relations and identifies the causal factors that drive the foreign policies of the Baltic states in such divergent routes. Supported by case studies on the oil and gas sectors as well as the tug of history, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars and policy makers.