International Factors of the 1990 – 2020s and the Progress of Post-soviet Estonia

Abstract

By the example of one post-Soviet state, namely, Estonia, the article reviews the trends of world political and economical development that have been manifested in specific international factors that affect all countries. The survey’s time scope includes three recent decades facing crucial change in the world order in crisis circumstamces, its key trend being the strife of democratic powers oriented towards the West with its priority of innovative development, against tyranny which is archaic and mostly pertinent to the East.

One of the leading trends in global history is the collision of civilizations, exacerbated in the late ХХ – early ХХІ cc. Some lands have found themselves in the limes, i.e. at the margins of empires or civilizations. The Baltic states, as well as Ukraine, are among such countries. A true war of civilizations is taking place, centered in Ukraine and “irradiating” to other territories. The present study is relevant to the importance of Baltic, Estonian experience of survival and development in a crisis not only civilizational, but also in the crisis of a phase transition – from industrial to post-industrial / information society, where aiming to the European historical and cultural community is an essential requirement. Revealed is the main and manifold threat to independent progress from the Russian part. Specific consideration is given to the grounds and ways of cooperation between Estonia and Ukraine in countering imperialism and aggression.

It’s proven that it was Estonia’s orientation towards Europe, and Europe towards Estonia, that had played the decisive role in strengthening democracy and all things that it fosters – from free market to improved living.The way to EU and NATO, the safeguarding powers, was not fast and easy. Also emphasized is the Estonians’ innovative approach to solving the resource problem while post-material values and the human factor gain essential importance. In the Estonian case, mentality played a substantial role: combining traditional diligence in reaching goals with creative ability that has become the main leverage of change in times of world order transformation.