An Unmastered Past: Latvia and Russia After NATO and EU Enlargement: Bilateral Issues of Statecraft 2003-2006
Abstract
Latvian-Russian bilateral relations must be understood in their historical framework. Relations were expected to improve after the enlargement of NATO and the European Union in 2004. These expectations, however, were not fulfilled and changes within the international system left no significant influence on state of affairs in Latvian- Russian relations. This thesis examines the main theoretical paradigms of international relations, which influence the interstate relations as well as importance of perception of antagonistic policies. The centerpiece of these relations is the problem of the border treaty that includes several other issues such as recognition of occupation, state continuity of Latvia and eventually the problem of the Slavic population in Latvia. Therefore, the central consideration in this thesis is to explain the formulation and implementation of foreign policies of both states in context of agendas of political elite and society. The thesis also touches upon the future of Latvian-Russian relations, claiming that the current lack of incentives does not predict an optimistic scenario, namely, normalization of bilateral relations. Rather that both states will maintain the substantial level of animosity and will try to use situation on the international level to acquire supporters of their policies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA457562
Entities
People
- Airis Rikveilis
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School