Balticization (Twilight of a New Era)

Balticization a term that refers to the relationship of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) with the Russia and the Federation of Socialist Republics. In more general terms, it refers to the decision of a country to not challenge a more powerful neighbor in foreign politics while maintaining national sovereignty.

The term first appeared in 1930 in an opinion column of the Estonian newspaper Rahva Hääl (The People's Voice). The debate was continued in a long rebuttal published in Pravda of Russia. Followed a month later by extensive articles in Rahva Hääl and Novaya Zhizn stating its validity.

The mains point of the debate have been the relationship of the Baltic Countries with Russia and in lesser degree with Poland. Finland can also be considered part of this particular relationship. The main argument is that although the independence of the Baltic Countries is recognized by treaties and an extensive political autonomy, it keeps economic and military ties with Russia. These ties have brought some benefits like the development of an industrial base of in previously agricultural economies. However these link have limited the foreign affairs, for example a de facto neutrality in favour of Russia and informal discord with Poland, East Prussia and Germany. In various foreign affairs bodies they ussually abstain in decissions that refer to the FSR.

Balticization, has its expression in:
 * the Defence Treaty between Lithuania and FSR.
 * The use of ports by the Red Navy in Latvia, previous to its membership the ICSS
 * Trade Cooperation and Investment Agreement, signed by Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with the ICSS.
 * The membership of Latvia in the ICSS
 * Various agreements of free transit and use of railways in the Baltic areas in favour of the FSR.
 * Has a condition for their membership in the Scandinavian Defense Union, the neutralization of Finland and Estonia. However this point has been undermined by the declared neutrality of the Nordic Association.