Baltic Facades: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania since 1945 (Contemporary Worlds)

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are often grouped together as the Baltic States, but these three Eastern European countries, tied together historically, are quite different. Although each is struggling to find its place within Europe and fighting to preserve its own identity, the idea of the Baltic States is a façade. In this book, Aldis Purs dispels the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, presenting a radical new view of the region. __Baltic Façades__ illuminates the uniqueness of these three countries and locates them within the larger context of European history, also revealing the similarities they share with the rest of the continent. He also examines the anxiety the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, he places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views... The Three So-called 'baltic States' -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania -- Are Commonly Regarded By Outsiders As A Single Entity. But In Reality They Are Quite Distinct Countries, Each One Struggling To Find Its Own Place Within Europe While Preserving A Personal Identity And Local Traditions. 'baltic Facades' Presents A Radical New Reading Of These States, With A Fresh And Up-to-date Examination Of Their Individual Politics, Economics And Social And Cultural Trends. By Dispelling The Myth Of A Single, Coherent Baltic Identity, Aldis Purs Is Able To Take Account Of The Uiniqueness Of Lithuania, Latvia And Estonia, While Examining The Anxities That Their Peoples Feel About Their Own Identities And How Others See Them. Giving Equal Weight In Developments In Politics, Economics, And Social And Cultural Trends. Purs Develops A Thematic Framework That Places Contemporary Events In A Longer Perspective Than Traditional Cold War-inspired Views Of The Region. His Book Will Appeal In Particular To Intellectually Curious Readers, Those Who Seek An Account Of The Baltic Nations That Provides A Strong Sense Of Place And Reaches Beyond The Restrictions Of Traditional Political History--publisher's Description, Back Cover. Historical Background -- Potemkin Republics -- Soviet Union To European Union -- Economic Developments -- Identity -- Prospects. Aldis Purs. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 185-193) And Index.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are often grouped together as the Baltic States, but these three Eastern European countries, tied together historically, are quite different. Although each is struggling to find its place within Europe and fighting to preserve its own identity, the idea of the Baltic States is a façade. In this book, Aldis Purs dispels the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, presenting a radical new view of the region.

Baltic Façades illuminates the uniqueness of these three countries and locates them within the larger context of European history, also revealing the similarities they share with the rest of the continent. He also examines the anxiety the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, he places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views of the region, tracing the countries under Soviet rule after the end of World War II through their declarations of independence in the early 1990s and their admission to the European Union in 2004. Baltic Façades is an enlightening look at these three separate, though related, Eastern European countries.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are often grouped together as the Baltic States, but these three Eastern European countries, tied together historically, are quite different. Although each is struggling to find its place within Europe and fighting to preserve its own identity, the idea of the Baltic States is a façade. In this book, Aldis Purs dispels the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, presenting a radical new view of the region. Baltic Façades illuminates the uniqueness of these three countries and locates them within the larger context of European history, also revealing the similarities they share with the rest of the continent. He also examines the anxiety the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, he places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views of the region, tracing the countries under Soviet rule after the end of World War II through their declarations of independence in the early 1990s and their admission to the European Union in 2004. Baltic Façades is an enlightening look at these three separate, though related, Eastern European countries. "The three so-called 'Baltic states' -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania -- are commonly regarded by outsiders as a single entity. But in reality they are quite distinct countries, each one struggling to find its own place within Europe while preserving a personal identity and local traditions. 'Baltic Facades' presents a radical new reading of these states, with a fresh and up-to-date examination of their individual politics, economies and social and cultural trends. By dispelling the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, Aldis Purs is able to take account of the uniqueness of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, while examining the anxieties that their peoples feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, Purs develops a thematic framework that places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views of the region. His book will appeal in particular to intellectually curious readers, those who seek an account of the Baltic nations that provides a strong sense of place and reaches beyond the restrictions of traditional political history"--Publisher's description, back cover La 4e de couverture indique : "The three so-called 'Baltic states' -- Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania -- are commonly regarded by outsiders as a single entity. But in reality they are quite distinct countries, each one struggling to find its own place within Europe while preserving a personal identity and local traditions. 'Baltic Facades' presents a radical new reading of these states, with a fresh and up-to-date examination of their individual politics, economies and social and cultural trends. By dispelling the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, Aldis Purs is able to take account of the uniqueness of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, while examining the anxieties that their peoples feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, Purs develops a thematic framework that places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views of the region. His book will appeal in particular to intellectually curious readers, those who seek an account of the Baltic nations that provides a strong sense of place and reaches beyond the restrictions of traditional political history" "The three so-called 'Baltic states'--Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania--are commonly regarded by outsiders as a single entity. But in reality they are quite distinct countries, each one struggling to find its own place within Europe while preserving a personal identity and local traditions. Baltic Facades presents a radical new reading of these states, with a fresh and up-to-date examination of their individual politics, economies and social and cultural trends. By dispelling the myth of a single, coherent Baltic identity, Aldis Purs is able to take account of the uniqueness of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, while examining the anxieties that their peoples feel about their own identities and how others see them. Giving equal weight to developments in politics, economics, and social and cultural trends, Purs develops a thematic framework that places contemporary events in a longer perspective than traditional Cold War-inspired views of the region. His book will appeal in particular to intellectually curious readers, those who seek an account of the Baltic nations that provides a strong sense of place and reaches beyond the restrictions of traditional political history."--Page 4 of cover Baltic Facades presents a new history of the Baltic area, one that dispels the myth of a single, coherent regional identity. Aldis Purs describes the unique character of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, whilst also examining the anxiety that these peoples feel about how others perceive them.