The September edition of Diplomaatia deals with wide range if issues – from the European refugee crisis to the Lithuanian response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Erkki Bahovski, the Editor-in-Chief of Diplomaatia attempts to introduce the imperial way of thinking in order to find a solution for the European refugee crisis. According to Bahovski the integration model based on the nation-state has failed and he reminds us the experience of some empires where many nationalities lived side-by-side for centuries.
Vaidas Saldžiūnas, the Lithuanian journalist, gives an overview how Lithuania reacted to the conflict in Ukraine. „Electrified by Russian threat Lithuanians have also flooded paramilitary organizations, like Riflemen’s’ union. Not long ago considered a platform for quasi-military gang of boy scouts and old men, telling campfire stories from their youth in the 30-ies it has changed dramatically. Young professionals, including prominent figures, like singers, businessmen, journalists, even liberal mayor of Vilnius took military fatigues, weapons and drilled in urban combat, learned survival, partisan tactics,” he writes.
Harri Tiido, the Estonia’s Ambassador to Poland, writes that the conflict in Ukraine has pushed the Baltic and Scandinavian countries and Poland to co-operate more tensely and to break some barriers between themselves.
Richard Weitz, the analyst from the Hudson Institute, reminds us the Russian government’s violation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. “Russia’s approach aims to induce the United States and NATO into assuming the onus of formally withdrawing from these accords—a trap best avoided through countering measures that deny Moscow any net benefits from its actions yet still maintain the alliance solidarity essential for NATO’s strength at a time of Russian resurgence,” Weitz is convinced.
Heidi Mõttus, the intern from the International Centre for Defence and Security, writes about Scotland’s desire to stay in the European Union at a time when the United Kingdom is considering leaving the Union. According to Mõttus the second Scottish referendum on independence cannot be ruled out if the UK decides to leave the EU.
Ago Raudsepp and Rait Maruste are reviewing the latest books on the Cold War history of Finland and the international law.
This article was published in ICDS Diplomaatia magazine.