The Baltics have historical ties with Russia and Europe. Concerning Russia, the Soviet Union occupied the Baltic States under the auspices of the Motlov- Ribbentrop Pact that was signed in 1940 (Berglee, 2014). Forthwith, they were incorporated into Russia from the August of 1940, although western nations did not recognize this unity. The Soviet Union used the Baltic States as military bases from which they would exercise their puppet regime models. The Soviet Union also wanted to spread its communist ideas and their Russian language, which they used to justify their occupation of the Baltic States. Conversely, Western states fought for the Baltic States to safeguard their sovereignty. On their part, the Baltic States identified with the social, political, and economic ideologies of the western states, with whom they claimed relations. The states are also located in Northern Europe and even joined the European Nation (EU).

Lithuania has political relations with Europe. Lithuania is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which it joined in safeguarding its security (Berglee, 2014). Furthermore, Lithuania is part of the European Security and Cooperation in Europe to guarantee its safety and stability. Lithuania also took up western ideologies and abandoned the east. Notably, it was in support of capitalism, a predominantly western political ideology during the cold war. Although Lithuania was pro-American, it soon reverted to pro-European stances and conducts its political activities emulating its European nations.

Lithuania should be mapped with Europe. The country has adopted western ideals. Lithuania is a capitalist society, an ideology it took up after disbanding with the Soviet Union’s communism. Moreover, it has signed multiple treaties with the Europeans like the NATO agreement. Most telling is that it is a member of the European Union. To qualify to be an EU member, a nation should at least be from Europe. Lithuanians also recognize themselves as being related to the west.

Reference

Berglee, R. (2012). World regional geography: People, places, and globalization. The University of Minnesota Libraries.