Continuity in history and the future: A note from the editors

Mārtiņš Vargulis and Kārlis Bukovskis

The US recognized the Republic of Latvia on 28 July 1922. Considering the growing political and economic importance of the US in the world, this was almost equivalent to the support provided by the European and world powers of that time - Great Britain and France. Although the US was not in a hurry to recognize the small country of Northern Europe, compared to other countries of the world, as the history of the 20th and 21st centuries will later show, support for Latvia’s statehood directly from the US will turn out to be the most important politically. It is safe to say that “continuity” can serve as a slogan for the anniversary of the first centenary in relations between Latvia and the US.

The US has historically been Latvia’s main strategic partner and ally. Up to Latvia’s independence in 1991, the US consistently pursued a policy of non-recognition of Latvia’s occupation and made invaluable contributions to the restoration of Latvia’s independence, and later it also facilitated Latvia’s integration into NATO and the EU. Since joining NATO and the EU, the US has continued to have a presence in the region that has strengthened Latvia’s security, fostered economic growth, and strengthened democracy. Without US involvement and security guarantees, Latvia’s historical development would have been significantly different, including in terms of major security challenges.

Latvia’s role in the US foreign and security policy discourse has also strengthened. Latvia, alongside Lithuania and Estonia, is often positioned as one of the US’s closest allies. US foreign and security policy representatives have often stated that the security of Latvia (and the Baltic States) is indirectly linked to the overall security of the US. It should also be noted that Latvia—US relations have been strengthened not only in the context of foreign and security policy, but also in several other dimensions, such as economic and financial issues, energy, digitalization, and people-to-people contacts.

Although the two countries have a special relationship, it has been fraught with challenges over the past 100 years, influenced by both external and internal national dynamics. Certain individuals as well as internal and external events have had a significant impact on the dynamics of Latvia—US relations. As this publication and the authors’ analyses demonstrate, the relationship has not been static — it reacts to international and domestic political developments, attempting to find common responses to the challenges the countries face together.

In order to understand the different facets of Latvia—US relations, to identify points of contact and conflict, and to outline the challenges in the context of the next centenary, this publication offers the perspectives of internationally renowned decision-makers and experts on certain areas in the context of Latvia—US bilateral relations. The publication highlights various areas: a) history and people, b) diplomacy and security, c) economics and energy. In each of the areas, the most important highlights in the context of the first century are examined, challenges and opportunities that are present in nowadays are offered, as well as potential perspectives in the context of the next century are illustrated.

Several very experienced and outstanding authors have participated in the creation of this publication. Each with their own experience, emotions, and knowledge, they provide an insight into the relations between Latvia and the US. It is the authors and the diversity they create that make this book an exciting and truly informative publication at the same time. The diversity of the authors’ approaches is a factor that allows the reader to get to know the relationship between the “great” US and the “small” Latvia in different lights. The approaches of the authors complement each other and create an expressive story in which academic accuracy, journalistic simplicity, political insistence, and philosophical foresight alternate. As a result, the book has a research-analytical, informative, and entertaining contribution to the analysis of international relations.

The analyses of each of these areas examine the key highlights of the first century, present the challenges and opportunities in the current context, and illustrate the potential prospects for the next century. Each area is covered by one Latvian and one American author. This enables the reader to be aware of what the main points of emphasis have been from the Latvian and American perspectives in the context of certain

issues. It also allows a number of conclusions to be drawn about the role of the US in Latvia’s foreign and security policy and, conversely, the role of Latvia in the overall US foreign and security policy discourse. Namely, this refers to whether Latvia’s place is “special” in the US’s overall policy, as well as what circumstances influence its place.

Although the starting point of the publication is the centenary of diplomatic relations, the overall thrust is forward-looking, i.e. to offer suggestions and assessments for the future through an understanding of history. The authors’ recommendations are an added value of this publication, outlining the challenges and opportunities that could be of use to Latvian and US policymakers.

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs would like to thank the supporters of this publication, which includes supporters from the governmental, non-governmental and business sectors. The strength and success of foreign policy is rooted in close cooperation between societies, businesses and state institutions. And that is why the willingness of all these sectors to support and engage in the realization of this publication only strengthens our conviction in the importance of Latvia—US relations for the development of the country.

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs would like to express the appreciation of the support provided by The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the U.S., Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, “SAF Tehnika”, “Latvenergo”, Freeport of Riga, The Embassy of the U.S. to the Republic of Latvia, American Latvian Association. Cooperation is a long-term and consistent effort. And, hopefully, this cooperation will continue to be strengthened among the various stakeholders in the context of the next centenary of the diplomatic relations between Latvia and the US.