Competing strategic narratives and their reflections in practice: Russo-Estonian relations following the annexation of the Crimea

Abstract

The current article analyses the prospects of improvement in terms of economic and political relations between Estonia and Russia against the inert background of reciprocal strategic narratives. Estonia’s current strategic narrative regarding Russia is mostly influenced by the country’s painful historic experience, plus the continuing social segregation within the country between Estonians and Russians, and security threats that stemming from Russia and requiring active NATO deterrence. Russia’s domestic vision includes ‘Russophobic’ western enemies, including Estonia, which surround and threaten it and which place it under an economic blockade. Both sides are also locked into a greater framework involving the European Union’s economic sanctions against Russia and Russian counter sanctions. On the other hand, both Estonia and Russia have a lot to gain from possible improvements in economic relations and in reducing regional security-related tensions.