Freedom is not Free: The History and Memory of Estonia and Latvia

Catalog description

The Baltic nations of Estonia and Latvia offer unique insights into both historical and contemporary East-West relations. After enduring a 50-year annexation by the Soviet Union, they have emerged as vibrant democracies and valued members of the EU and NATO, recognized for their leadership in technological innovation and e-governance. The region's delicate landscape, further complicated by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, carries significant implications both globally and locally, including combating Russian propaganda, supporting Ukrainian refugees, enhancing military and cyber defenses, and integrating local ethnic Russian populations. Estonia, in particular, serves as a compelling case study of a global leader in e-governance. The inaugural Global Seminar in this region will explore its rich history, society, politics, literature, and art, examining the value and benefits of freedom as understood by its people and investigating strategies for sustaining that freedom in today's fragile international order.