Introduction

States exist in a certain space, defined by their geography, historical experience and culture. That space is in the process of a continuous flux, which influences the political processes of states, their relations with neighbours and their geopolitical orientation. This equally applies to the main subjects of this book – Russia and the Baltic States. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has been reshaping its policy. The Baltic States, since the restoration of their independence in 1990, have also been redefining their place in the region and on the continent. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, a number of historical and cultural differences between them notwithstanding, in the context of international relations are normally treated as an entity – the ‘Baltic States’. Their common history in the twentieth century provides justification for this treatment.