Why the Baltic States Reject Vladimir Putin’s Vision
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have consistently maintained a firm stance against Russian influence and Vladimir Putin’s vision. This rejection is not a new development, as the region's history and cultural values have shaped a stance that prioritizes Western values over any perceived Russian benefits.
Historical Context
The foundations of the Baltic states' resistance to Russian influence can be traced back to their historical experiences with the Mongols and later the Tsarist and Soviet empires. From a long historical perspective, the Balts prefer the values and ethics derived from a Christian understanding, which emphasizes that robbery and assault are not virtuous. In contrast, the values and ethics of Central Asian 'hordes' have a far darker legacy of pillaging, plundering, and destruction.
The European Union, despite its flaws, represents a society shaped by Christian and Enlightenment values. Russia, on the other hand, retains a more antique set of values that were shared with the Mongols. Practices such as invading and devastating others, engaging in mass rape, torture, and cannibalism were not only acceptable but also celebrated by some in Russian history. These values have left a lasting impact, creating significant cultural and ideological differences between the Baltic states and Russia.
Ethnic Considerations
The Baltic states’ rejection of Russian influence is also grounded in clear ethnic distinctions. The modern Baltic states, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are primarily inhabited by people with non-Russian ancestry. Initially, these regions were conquered and administered by Baltic-German nobility, who created a German cultural and linguistic legacy. German was the language of education, administration, and commerce, and German cultural influence remains strong to this day, evident in the numerous old German cemeteries still found throughout the region.
Moreover, although many ethnic Russians live in the Baltic states, they are predominantly third or fourth-generation residents who have little connection to the historical battles and cultural divisions that define the region. Here, the concept of indigenous rights plays a crucial role, where the descendants of the original inhabitants are granted privileges that do not extend to Russian immigrants or colonists.
The 'Russian World' Myth
The concept of the 'Russian World' is a modern creation dreamed up by Russian Federation ideologues, an attempt to construct a fictional, expanded version of Russian national identity that includes territories with historical links to the Russian Empire. This idea is often contested and often seen as an imperialist scheme. The Baltic states, with their deep historical ties to Germany and their Lutheran religious heritage, can easily point to these differences to justify their rejection of Russian claims.
Alfred Rosenberg, a prominent Nazi thinker born in Tallinn (now the capital of Estonia), exemplifies the harmful influence these ideologies can have. His ideas, which are inherently Eurocentric and anti-Semitic, helped justify German expansion in the Baltics. By equating the Tsarist Empire, Soviet Union, and Russian Federation, the Baltic states highlight the disingenuity in Russia's claim to a unique cultural and historical identity that includes territories where Germanic influence was dominant.
In conclusion, the Baltic states' rejection of a Russian vision is multifaceted. It stems from historical, cultural, and ideological differences. Their preference for Christian values, their strong ties to German culture, and their status as descendants of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth rather than the Mongol hordes, all contribute to their firm stance against Russian influence.