Contextualizing ‘Baltic Unity’ in Estonian Post-Soviet Territorial Policies

Abstract

The triumph of the nation-centric model of foreign policy has often been accepted in political rhetoric and reflected both in practical European Union integration and in institutional relations among the Baltic States. However, the underestimation of Baltic collectivism in Estonian society has never been the outcome of well-planned government policy or an ideology by consensus. This article explores how post-Soviet practices for organizing territorial power in Estonia have reproduced the perestroika-era idealist discourse of Baltic collectivism as part of the practical constitution of an EU-eligible nation-state. Focusing on the politically sensitive discussions that occurred during the redefinition of the Estonian–Latvian border, the article argues that the Estonian political elite and national media have been using the rhetoric of ‘Baltic unity’ not only to secure Estonian national interests in territorial affairs with Latvia, but also to demonstrate its illusory nature in common practices of European integration.