Authors

Charles Clarke³; Dmitrijs Andrejevs²; John Freeman¹;  ¹ University of Cambridge, UK;  ² University of Manchester, UK;  ³ Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge, UK

Discussion

Session 1
The session will launch the book Understanding the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania since 1991, edited by Charles Clarke and published by Hurst. The volume examines the contribution of the Baltic States to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, investigating the interplay between tensions at the heart of the USSR and the growing Baltic independence movements. The book has great contemporary significance as a result of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of the Ukraine, during which Vladimir Putin has explicitly promoted a ‘Greater Russian’ version of history, including a dangerously inaccurate narrative of what occurred in the Baltics in 1991. The contributors—who include Brendan Simms, Vladislav Zubok, Archie Brown, Andrew Wilson, Mart Kuldkepp, Bridget Kendall, Kristina Spohr, Kaarel Piirimäe and Neil Taylor— analyse the struggles of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to secure their independence, and set out how Moscow is propagating fake history to undermine these countries’ hard-won freedom. The volume is the culmination of the first international symposium organised by the Baltic Programme at the Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge, entitled ‘The Baltic Contribution to the Dissolution of the Soviet Union’ which was held in March 2022.
Hosted by Rt Hon Charles Clarke (Centre for Geopolitics, University of Cambridge).

Session 2
'We are excited to relaunch the Baltic Study Group which was first established in 2005. The aim of the study group is to bring together researchers who are interested in the study of the Baltic States. We are seeking to develop the network of researchers within the UK so that we can facilitate greater awareness of Baltic States research, encourage collaborative projects and also to highlight how the region can be relevant to wider research. We are particularly interested in nurturing a forum for postgraduates and early career researchers to present their ongoing research and to find opportunities to collaborate. At our relaunch we will present our ambitions for the reformed study group, and we look forward to engaging with colleagues to shape the envisioned direction of the group.
Hosted by Dr Dmitrijs Andrejevs (University of Manchester) and Dr John Freeman (University of Cambridge)