The Baltic Question as It Relates to European Security

Abstract

This thesis examines the reemerging 'Baltic Question' and its implications for European security. Relatively neglected for decades, the issue dramatically recaptured international attention on 11 March 1990, when Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union, and then gained momentum from the subsequent moves toward secession by Estonia and Latvia. This thesis argues that the security of Europe and stability of the Baltic states are closely intertwined and that, therefore, this drive for independent demands careful attention by those who are constructing a post-Cold War security paradigm for Europe. To show that the three states are an important component in the European security equation, the thesis examines both the historical (12th-20th Centuries) connection, and that of the post-World War II era. With this discussion as background, it investigates alternate courses that the future might take, and assesses the effect each would have on the security of Europe, the three Baltic states, and the Soviet Union.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA246194

Entities

People

  • Steven A. White

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Baltic Countries
  • Cold War
  • Eastern Europe
  • Geography
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Recreation
  • Treaties
  • Ussr

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution