ABSTRACT
One of the major tasks Estonia faced after the Soviet-imposed isolation from most of the world was to become more interdependent. After independence, some imperialist leaders switched over to protecting minority privileges within the framework of the Republic of Estonia. Private enterprise had begun to sprout in Estonia mainly in the service and trade sector; its more forceful extension to industry and agriculture was urgent. In tourism, Estonia could capitalize on the unique medieval old-town portion of Tallinn and grotesquely fascinating displays of Stalinist art and architecture. Civilization supposedly had come to Estonia with Soviet rule. Estonia would also be likely to turn a sympathetic ear to the cultural strivings of non-independent native peoples throughout the world, especially the struggling Finnic peoples in the north-eastern corner of Europe: Mordvins, Maris, Udmurts, and Komis. As for contributions to world culture by individual Estonians, success will depend on escape from mental provincialism.
