Some Historical (Historical-Geographical) Determinants of the Functioning of Political Regimes of the Modern Baltic States

The development of relations between states is always, to one degree or another, based on a historical foundation. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze some key aspects of the historical policy of the Baltic States. The article emphasizes that political radicalism in the Baltic republics was based not only on the two well-known forms of Lithuanian nationalism (political and cultural), but also on a third (no less important) institutional form, in which nationalist goals are achieved within the framework of the existing institutions of the regime. The study also notes that the political elite of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are interested not in history, but in justifying their current policies through mythology. Finally, the author concludes that the characteristics of statehood in these republics were formed during the imperial and Soviet periods of Russian statehood (and are therefore closely linked to Russian history). Attempts to construct a concept of historical identity outside this context are impossible. But in the context of the new geopolitical reality (new masters and friends of the political elites of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia), the Baltic states have taken a course towards reconstructing history to suit the political challenges of the XXI century.