Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell The Baltic States in the Twentieth Century and their security now
10 snips
Aug 30, 2025 In this conversation with Dan Kaszeta, a noted author and historian focused on the Baltic region, listeners dive into the tumultuous history of the Baltic States. Kaszeta discusses their difficult journey to sovereignty during WWII and the devastating impacts of Soviet occupation. The podcast highlights the region’s struggle against Nazi forces, the tragic Holocaust events, and local resistance movements. He also connects these historical legacies to current security threats from Russia, emphasizing NATO's role in the Baltic’s modern defense.
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Birth Of Baltic Independence
- The Baltic states gained independence after WWI from the collapse of the Tsarist Empire and fought messy wars to secure it.
- Their 1918–1940 independence was real and internationally recognized, including by the Soviet Union.
Authoritarian Shift Before WWII
- The interwar Baltic democracies weakened under economic stress and fragmented politics, producing authoritarian regimes by the 1930s.
- These dictatorships were not equivalent to Nazi regimes and often opposed domestic fascists.
Secret Deal That Doomed Neutrality
- The Molotov–Ribbentrop secret protocol carved Eastern Europe into Soviet and German spheres, dooming Baltic neutrality.
- Mutual assistance treaties then allowed Soviet bases inside Baltic territories, enabling coercion.
