Freedom is not Free: The History and Memory of Estonia and Latvia

General Description

The Baltic nations of Estonia and Latvia offer unique insights into both historical and contemporary East-West relations. After enduring a 50-year annexation by the Soviet Union, they have emerged as vibrant democracies and valued members of the EU and NATO, recognized for their leadership in technological innovation and e-governance. The region's delicate landscape, further complicated by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, carries significant implications both globally and locally, including combating Russian propaganda, supporting Ukrainian refugees, enhancing military and cyber defenses, and integrating local ethnic Russian populations. Estonia, in particular, serves as a compelling case study of a global leader in e-governance. The inaugural Global Seminar in this region will explore its rich history, society, politics, literature, and art, examining the value and benefits of freedom as understood by its people and investigating strategies for sustaining that freedom in today’s fragile international order.

Locations

We will explore the capitals of Tallinn (Estonia) and Riga (Latvia), with additional excursions to Tartu, a historic university town, and Narva, a border city between Estonia and Russia. The majority of the seminar will take place in Estonia.

Learning Goals

By the end of the seminar, students will be able to:

1. Familiarize yourself with the richness of the Baltic region, laying the groundwork for potential future specialization.
2. Gain a nuanced understanding of the history and memory of Estonia and Latvia and how the past experiences and current geopolitical realities shape these countries and societies today.
3. Learn about the opportunities and challenges related to the economy and technological advancements in the region.

Living and Travel Conditions

We will be staying in hotels throughout the trip. Bus transportation will be used to move between different cities. There will be a boat tour (in Riga) involved. Activities will include city walking tours, easy/short hikes, museum and other site visits, and an occasional physical activity such as hiking.

Faculty

Dr. Amir Weiner

Amir Weiner is Director of CREEES and Associate Professor of Soviet History. Professor Weiner teaches and writes on totalitarian movements and regimes with a focus on the Soviet polity; population politics; the Second World War; and modern mass violence. His current research is on the KGB and the Soviet surveillance state.

Dr. Liisi Esse

Liisi Esse serves as Curator for Estonian and Baltic Studies at Stanford Libraries. Her main responsibility is to build and maintain Stanford's collection of Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, and Finnish material in all formats. Her wider goal is to enhance Baltic studies by advising scholars and students interested in the matter, engaging in collaborative projects with other institutions, and organizing events and exhibits at Stanford.

Grading Basis

Letter Grade