Identity and Foreign Policy

Baltic-Russian relations have been complicated and tense since the collapse of the USSR and the restoration of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian independence. Although Baltic accession to the European Union (EU) has created a new international context for interstate relations in the region, enlargement did not bring about the much hoped for improvement in Baltic-Russian relations.This case study rich volume, examines the relationship between identity and foreign policy focusing on Baltic-Russian relations and the deepening and widening of the EU. It analyzes and explains developments in Baltic-Russian relations after both NATO and EU enlargement focusing in particular on the impact of identity and carefully demonstrates whether, how and under what circumstances identity shapes foreign policy behaviour.Built on a constructivist perspective in international relations, this volume provides a coherent and illuminating account of the dynamics of Baltic-Russian relations after NATO and EU enlargement. Avoiding specialist jargon and drawn-out theoretical discussions, it will meet the needs of academics and students of foreign policy, EU external relations and international relations more generally.