Abstract
In this article, Lithuania's relations with Russia from 2004 to 2014 are examined. This analysis is not much of a challenge in itself: there have been no significant changes in the overall quality of the two countries' relations, no new issues of disagreement, and the countries' approaches to each other have also remained unchanged. This analysis is significant in a different way—relations with Russia motivate and induce Lithuania's entire foreign policy arena, from its strategies to the country's everyday debates. Understanding Lithuania's relations with Russia leads to insights regarding Lithuania's geopolitical thinking and how Lithuania represents itself. Therefore, in this article, the goal is to demonstrate that an analysis of Lithuanian-Russian relations since 2004 not only explains Lithuanian foreign policy, but also reveals an enduring and negative stability in bilateral relations notwithstanding constant turbulence and quarrels.
Highlights
Relations with Russia are among the most problematic of Lithuania’s bilateral foreign relations
The third major field of research in Lithuania regarding Lithuania’s bilateral relations with Russia focused on the nexus between Lithuania’s foreign policy and identity. These analyses revealed the significant role of Russia in Lithuania’s political discourse and foreign policy decisions
Russian politics are not friendly towards Lithuania: 53% I agree with the politics of the government regarding relations with Russia: 57%
Summary
Relations with Russia are among the most problematic of Lithuania’s bilateral foreign relations. Several Russian experts in a special issue of Lithuanian Foreign Policy Review (2000) focused on the issue of bilateral relations between Russia and Lithuania When these experts tried to explain Russia’s attitude, they emphasized the challenges of an enlarged EU and NATO; and in this context they discussed Lithuanian “politicking.” These Russian experts seemed to resent a () new law on compensations for damages suffered during Lithuania’s Soviet occupation. Despite the lack of general research on Lithuania-Russian relations since 2004, specific aspects of the two countries’ bilateral relations have been examined, including topics such as: identity analysis, energy security, memory politics, and EU issues relevant to Russia. 3) What role does Russia play in Lithuanian domestic politics? What do Lithuanian representations of Russia reveal about Lithuanian identity and how do these representations transform or influence Lithuania’s domestic political practices?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
