Baltic Question in International Relations during Eighties of the 20th Century

Abstract

Analysis of the importance attributed to the Baltic question in international relations in the 1980s allows drawing the conclusion that it was rather topical and featured on the agendas of various international organisations and forums. It is particularly true regarding the European Security and Cooperation Conferences in Madrid and Vienna, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. In the mid-1980s, the Baltic question gained international resonance in the Copenhagen Tribunal. The USA activities vis-à-vis the Baltic question obtained particular momentum during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. The USA, particularly the administration of President George Bush (senior), pursued the slow evolution path towards the solution of this problem. The British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher adhered to a similar strategy. On the whole, M. Thatcher was more concerned about stability in the Soviet Union than the restoration of the independence of the Baltic states in the shortest time possible. The leaders of France and Germany followed the principles of the-so-called Realpolitik and were not eager advocates of the Baltic independence aspirations.