Understanding the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania since 1991

by Charles Clarke (Editor)

This book addresses a crucial the contribution of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the historic dissolution of the USSR in 1991, which in turn led to regained independence for the Baltic States in that year. This is an important history, relating to the interplay between divisions and tensions at the heart of the USSR and the growing Baltic independence movements.

It also has great contemporary significance as a result of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of the Ukraine. To justify this act, Vladimir Putin has explicitly promoted a ‘Greater Russian’ version of history, including a dangerously inaccurate narrative of what occurred in the Baltics in 1991. He also continues to threaten military action against the Baltic states, all of which are members of NATO.

The contributors—who include Brendan Simms, Vladislav Zubok, Andrew Wilson, Mart Kuldkepp, Bridget Kendall, Kristina Spohr, Kaarel Piirimäe and Neil Taylor— analyse the struggles of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to secure their independence, and set out how Moscow is propagating fake history, as well as engaging in destabilising measures and cyber-attacks, to undermine these countries’ hard-won freedom. This indispensable volume addresses head-on the biggest geopolitical challenge facing the world responding to Russian military adventurism.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2023

Reviews

[Darya Silman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is misleading: 4/5 of the book are focused on the Baltic States in 1988-91, i.e. their path to gaining independence. One article compares the Baltic States and their post-Soviet journey to Ukraine. Some articles show the historical/current events through surprising angles, for example, in term of the Baltic Sea's geopolitics. For the person who have some general knowledge of Estonian history, like me, the beginning of the book offered nothing new.

Review to follow.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agree with Daryl’s review. The title is misleading and focuses less on the aftermath of the newly independent Baltic states than the immediate 1989-1993. That’s not to say the book wasn’t interesting, however I was expecting more about their independent growth and development post independence.