This study examines the variations in the security outlooks of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – toward the European Union’s quest for strategic autonomy. For decades, the...Show moreThis study examines the variations in the security outlooks of the Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – toward the European Union’s quest for strategic autonomy. For decades, the concept of ‘strategic autonomy’ has remained ambiguous and ill-defined despite waves of discussions amongst leaders and academics alike. In an increasingly multipolar world and a considerably evolving security landscape in Northeastern Europe in light of the war in Ukraine, a renewed interest in the topic has emerged. Nevertheless, as in previous waves of discussion, the focus is primarily directed at the major powers. This study aims to shed light on the divergence of interpretation to be found among three small states; countries often finding themselves treated as one homogenous region with the same security concerns and objectives. By conducting eight interviews with current government officials, as well as analyzing government documents, the study answers two questions: How do the Baltic states view the concept of strategic autonomy? and What differences can be identified in their understanding of the concept? The research finds that strategic autonomy is viewed as a process rather than a fixed goal. Despite increasing support for the implementation of EU security initiatives, worries about NATO decoupling, duplication, and potential discrimination of strategic partners, especially the United States, remain significant. Most notably yet, the Baltic State’s interpretation and importance of the concept do, in fact, vary. This study highlights the challenges in achieving a unified interpretation of strategic autonomy both within the contexts of the EU and between global strategic partners. In the face of shifting geopolitical realities, discerning the misunderstandings among the Baltic nations is a crucial step in bridging differences and addressing the practical implications across national borders.Show less
Unconventional war is the kind of conflict which conventional military forces have been more frequently fighting after the Second World War. Unconventional war is a war between two actors who...Show moreUnconventional war is the kind of conflict which conventional military forces have been more frequently fighting after the Second World War. Unconventional war is a war between two actors who differ in military strength, resources, firepower and leadership, and, therefore, use different strategies and tactics. This kind of conflict is not new, it originated centuries ago when Hannibal started fighting against Rome with unconventional tactics. In the past, the French also used unconventional tactics during the reign of Napoleon. Ivan-Arreguin Toft compiled a database which shows that unconventional conflicts are rising in frequency. The rate that weaker actors win these conflicts is increasing. From 1800 to 1849, 88,2% of the unconventional conflicts were won by the stronger actor. From 1900 to 1949 the number dropped to 65,1% of the conflicts which were won by the stronger actor. In the last fifty years, it dropped to 48,8% of the conflicts which were won by the stronger actor. Even though strong states possess better military capabilities, have better leadership, more and diverse firepower, more resources, and, above all this, have a more significant, better equipped and better trained military land force, they are losing more than winning these conflicts. The reason for this discrepancy is currently unclear in the academic world. There are multiple academics who write about unconventional war but there is no consensus how or why this trend occurred. The theories about this discrepancy are discussed in the first chapter of this thesis. In this thesis, the focus will be on the United States of America as an example of one of these stronger states.Show less
To what extent did the return of foreign fighters from the Middle East to their home countries in Europe influence the incidence of jihadist terrorist attacks between 1990 and June 2015 in Europe?
