Conclusions

Abstract

In the ‘Conclusions’, the main findings and general patterns are summed up. Second, an attempt is made to boil down the many questions raised in this book to two central themes: democracy and history. A combination of the two items shows that the majority population of Estonia tends to be at ease with contemporary democracy, while the Russian Latvians, in particular, are considerably less at ease. The final section is a reflection on the extraordinary journey the three countries have embarked upon since the early 1990s, demonstrated by their many political and economic achievements. The contrasts with other former Soviet republics are dramatic. But the discussion cautions about lingering value conflicts and dissatisfaction in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which potentially could undermine many of the positive achievements. The surge in support for radical right-wing parties—anti-elitist, anti-liberal and anti-EU (European Union)—may suggest the dawn of a new era in the Baltic journey.