National Minorities and the Security of Lithuania in the Existing Political and Historical Context

Abstract

The article aims to discuss the likelihood of the potential involvement of the Polish or Russian minority in Lithuania in separatist and centrifugal action. The centuries-long subordination to Russia caused profound changes to Lithuania’s ethnic composition. Given the historical context, it should be emphasized that the main driver of changes was the geopolitical setting. The regaining of independence made the Lithuanian elite face the challenge of addressing the problems of ethnic and national minorities in the context of state security.

Ethnic background and the ensuing national identity shape the cohesion of modern states but, at the same time, may disintegrate them in specific cases. The regaining of independence reversed the trend of the national identity, both Lithuanian and of other ethnic groups, fading under the Soviet pressure. The state authorities are making efforts to integrate all Lithuania-based ethnic groups. One of the main strategies is to encourage pro-state attitudes and a sense of social solidarity. This is an extremely important security factor given the neo-imperialist aspirations and undertones in the security policy of the Russian Federation.