This thesis examines the reemerging 'Baltic Question' and its implications for European security. Relatively neglected for decades, the issue dramatically recaptured international attention on 11 March 1990, when Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union, and then gained momentum from the subsequent moves toward secession by Estonia and Latvia. This thesis argues that the security of Europe and stability of the Baltic states are closely intertwined and that, therefore, this drive for independent demands careful attention by those who are constructing a post-Cold War security paradigm for Europe. To show that the three states are an important component in the European security equation, the thesis examines both the historical (12th-20th Centuries) connection, and that of the post-World War II era. With this discussion as background, it investigates alternate courses that the future might take, and assesses the effect each would have on the security of Europe, the three Baltic states, and the Soviet Union.

Subjects: International relations.; Baltic Question; European Security; Soviet Union; Baltic States; Estonia; Latvia; Lithuania