Introduction
The Baltic states (also known as the Baltics) is a geopolitical term referring to the three Northern European countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The countries share significant historic and cultural ties, and in the modern day, maintain close economic, political, and security cooperation. Although these highly developed nations are part of the Eurozone and NATO, the Baltics engage in intergovernmental coalitions to address the regional challenges, demonstrating a unique level of integration among countries. Despite their cooperation, the three Baltic states are different countries individually but are united under shared values and goals.
History
The Baltics were originally part of the Russian Empire at its peak for over two centuries. However, after Russia’s early exit from World I, the Baltic states achieved sovereignty. Their independence was not long-lasting, as the USSR under Stalin quickly coerced the Baltic states to allow Soviet troops in the region after the 1939 invasion of Poland under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and soon after establishing puppet governments that officially joined the Soviet Union. However, almost immediately Nazi Germany began its Eastern invasion and soon captured the Baltic states, but instead of liberating them, similarly established puppet civil administrations. Both under Stalin’s rule and under Nazi Germany, the populations of the Baltic states experienced tremendous repressions, mass relocations and killings, and violations of human rights. As the USSR pushed back in World War II, it once again gained control of the Baltics, and despite strong anti-Soviet sentiment, retained strict control for decades (Kasekamp, 2017).
Towards the end of the century, the Baltic states were among the first to demonstrate increased resistance and desire for independence, which eventually led to the collapse of the USSR and Russian troops withdrawing from the region by 1994. Upon restoration of independence, all three Baltic states made integration with Western Europe a primary goal, introducing massive reforms. In 2004, all three became NATO and EU members (Siegelbaum, n.d.). The history of these Baltic states is very similar, particularly in the last century, and this has greatly impacted their world perspective, as they viewed the long-term Soviet rule as illegal annexation and occupation.
Politics and Economics
The Baltic states are almost universally similar in their politics and economics. All are thriving democracies as constitutional republics under a unitary state structure, having a parliamentary system (although Lithuania does have elements of a semi-presidential system). The economies are all classified as high-income economies, with Estonia and Lithuania being in the top 50 in the world with GDP (PPP) per capita, while Latvia is #63. Some of the more popular sectors across the Baltic region are energy, finance, IT, manufacturing, and agriculture (WEDC, 2020). All have market economies and have followed similar trajectories of economic development to achieve steady real GDP growth. As part of the EU, the countries have open trade among each other and with the rest of the bloc. The economic reforms implemented in the aftermath of the USSR allowed the Baltic economies to achieve liberalization. Furthermore, they have a skilled labor force that requires lower wages than Western European nations, which has attracted significant foreign investment into the region (Poissonnier, 2017). With a high degree of macroeconomic stability across all three countries, living standards have improved and the economies have become resilient.
Geography, Defence, and Security
All three Baltic states are bounded in the north and west by the Baltic Sea, giving the region its name. It is a crucial coastal access that contributes to economic trade but also strategic military capabilities. On the east, the Baltics are bordered by modern-day Russia, which continues to be an ominous threat to them. Furthermore, in the southeast is Belarus, a close Russian ally, and to the southwest is the Russian enclave territory. In between the Baltic states are bordered by NATO and EU ally Poland. Russia sees the Baltics as a direct threat due to being NATO member states, while all three of the countries view Russia as both a historic aggressor and a current threat (Mix, 2020). That has become clearer with the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the Baltic states are once again worried about their sovereignty.
Despite NATO Article 5 protections, the Baltic states all share the same concern that they would not be able to withstand the initial Russian attack. Given that these are small states, with much lesser defense spending capabilities, they feel more vulnerable to Russian aggression, particularly given the historic past. The countries actively support the principle of forward defense by NATO, of establishing strengthened, permanent garrisons on the eastern borders of the defense bloc which would include the Baltic states and Poland (Bankauskaitė, 2022). Until recently, NATO’s presence in the region led by the US was purely symbolic, having what is known as ‘tripwire’ forces that would potentially slow but be able to stop a full invasion. All three countries greatly support a heavy NATO presence in the region with tanks, artillery, and possibly even nuclear weapons. The countries maintain a strong cooperation and mutual security approach under the umbrella of NATO and universally view Russia as a direct and existential threat to their peace and security (Bladaitė and Šešelgytė, 2020).
Culture and Social Values
Culture and social values are the only areas where remarkably similar countries, share some differences. Among the three countries, Estonia is the most different, as it is both considered and strongly associated with the Finnic background. Estonians prefer not to be associated with the Baltic states. Estonia derives a lot from Nordic cultures including language base, traditions, some cuisine, and art. Estonia is highly modern and efficient, having been influenced by German and Swedish cultures as well. The stereotype about Estonians is that they are slow, but that is driven by weighted decision-making. Latvia is located in the center of the Baltics and has the largest Russian influence, the population in the country mostly speaks Russian. This has influenced culture, with the Latvian culture being a mix of some Nordic influences and Slavic components. The stereotypical mentality of this country is more of a careless quasi-Eastern European that is highly passionate (Laanes, 2020).
Conclusion
Finally, Lithuania is on the southern end of the Baltics. Many of its influences have stemmed from Poland, but they are a strong mixture of cultures. They speak their language and have long-held traditions. Lithuania and its people are known for being eccentric and highly creative. The country has beautiful architecture and a rich art world. Lithuanians are very aware of their environment and are highly ecologically friendly. Lithuanians are tremendously patriotic, but also known to be more polite and relaxed than their Baltic counterparts (Laanes, 2020). All three of the Baltic states are fiercely nationalistic and independent, largely stemming from the fact that each country has been occupied for prolonged periods historically.
Reference List
Bankauskaitė, D. (2022) The Baltic states’ response to war against Ukraine. Web.
Bladaitė, N. and Šešelgytė, M. (2020). Building a multiple ‘security shelter’ in the Baltic States after EU and NATO accession. Europe-Asia Studies, 72(6), pp.1010–1032.
Kasekamp, A. (2017) A history of the Baltic States. London, Macmillan International Higher Education.
Laanes, E. (2020). Introduction: entangled cultures in the Baltic region. Journal of Baltic Studies, 51(3), pp.301–313.
Mix, D.E. (2017) Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: Background and U.S.-Baltic relations. Web.
Poissonnier, A. (2017) The Baltics: three countries, one economy? Web.
Siegelbaum, L. (n.d.) Baltic independence.Web.
WEDC. (2020)Strong growth in Baltic economies creates opportunities for Wisconsin companies. Web.