Estonianness in the Making: Transformations of Ethnic Democracy Model and Nationalism in Estonia

Abstract

Estonian nationalism has undergone a transformation from ‘state-seeking’ to ‘state-led’ since acquiring independence, which has affected the Estonian national identity. Estonia is commonly labelled as an ‘ethnic democracy’; however, we propose a dichotomy between open and closed ethnic democracies. The process of national state-building in Estonia is still going on, with the concept of ‘Estonianness’ consisting of the ‘Finno-Ugric,’ ‘Nordic/Scandinavian,’ and ‘European’ identity structures. These form the basis for an inclusive, or open ethnic democracy. Though Estonianness is primarily defined in cultural and linguistic terms, a newcomer may ascribe oneself to it and become a member of the ethno-civic nation.