ABSTRACT
Historical Perspective Our objective for this review of the Baltic states’ first twenty years of post-Soviet transformation was to establish a record of problems encountered and progress achieved by the Baltic states in selected aspects of both state and nation building. ey are the mechanisms necessary for the government to meet the needs of its citizens. ey include the adoption of new laws, the formation of new agencies and ministries, and the establishment of new political parties and civic institutions. e state exists as long as it is accepted by its citizens or until some other force usurps the power and mandates new institutions.
