A small state and a crisis Cover Image

Małe państwo a kryzys
A small state and a crisis

The attitudes of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia towards the protests in Belarus in August 2020

Author(s): Wojciech Łysek
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: Belarus; political crisis; small state; Baltic States

Summary/Abstract: This article is dedicated to the attitudes of the Baltic States towards the protests in Belarus in August 2020. The analysis uses the category of a small state. It seems to best characterise the role of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in international relations. The first part of this article describes the relations of these three countries with Belarus before 2020. Then, the emphasis is put on the instruments and strategies which have been used by the Baltic States towards Belarus since the presidential elections in August 2020. The article discusses the role of a regional, expert, hidden subjectivity using multilateral formats, good services, entrepreneurial and silent diplomacy. In his considerations, the author presents the reactions of the authorities and societies. The article is based on state documents, analyses, politicians’ speeches, press materials and literature on the subject.

  • Issue Year: 74/2021
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 203-219
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish