Fully up-to-date coverage of the capital cities of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Russian state of Kaliningrad. Includes city plans, sightseeing, walking tours, hotels, restaurants and entertainment, plus getting to and between the countries.

"The tough guide to the baltic states is an indispensable guide to this intriguing part to Europe"--Back cover

A revamped and expanded version of Bradt's Baltic Capitals, this guide recognises a shift in the nature of travel in the region. No longer limited to a Baltics' itinerary covering Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, the guide incorporates the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, the Baltic coast from Klaipeda to Liepaja, and inland cities of Kaunas and Tartu.Whereas the Baltic states reflect western European influence, Kaliningrad - an offshoot of Russia - is very different: the Cyrillic alphabet remains and tourists can still see a statue of Lenin, or walk along a Revolution Road. The perfect companion, Baltic Cities details each city's historic sights, from museums to churches, together with scenic walking tours and essential details of where to eat and stay.

Since the end of the Cold War there has been an increased interest in the Baltics. The Baltic States brings together three titles, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to provide a comprehensive and analytical guide integrating history, political science, economic development and contemporary events into one account. Since gaining their independence, each country has developed at its own pace with its own agenda and facing its own obstacles. The authors examine the tensions accompanying a post-communist return to Europe after the long years of separation and how each country has responded to the demands of becoming a modern European state. Estonia was the first of the former Soviet republics to enter membership negotiations with the European Union in 1988 and is a potential candidate for the next round of EU expansion in 2004. Lithuania and Latvia have also expressed their desire for future membership of NATO and the EU.

Since the 1990s, Baltic-Russian relations have been amongst the most contentious on the European continent. Energy security concerns, historical legacies, and the status of Russian minorities have all proved key flash points. Baltic-Russian relations have been described as a 'litmus test' of Russia's willingness to leave behind its imperialist ambitions; simultaneously the policies of Tallinn, Riga or Vilnius towards Russia can have a direct impact on EU-Russian and NATO-Russian relations. The Baltic states share similar histories and resources, and face the same geopolitical challenges. All are dependent on Russia for energy yet, as this fascinating study reveals, they have pursued very different foreign policies towards their powerful neighbour. In The Politics of Energy and Memory between the Baltic States and Russia Agnia Grigas provides an unprecedented analysis of contemporary Baltic-Russian relations and identifies the causal factors that drive the foreign policies of the Baltic states in such divergent routes. Supported by case studies on the oil and gas sectors as well as the tug of history, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars and policy makers.

Annotation This volume is one in a series initiated by the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies on the inter-relationship between globalisation and urban transformation. It identifies and describes the inter- and intra-urban transformations of Central and Eastern European cities and considers their pre-1945 historic legacies, the socialist period, and their contemporary transition towards market oriented and democratic systems. The dramatic changes since 1989 including the collapse of Communist ideology, the break-up of the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, the end of the Cold War and the impact of globalisation and European integration, have reconfigured this region and affected their re-integration into European and global networks. This book first examines the similarities and differences between significant Central and Eastern European cities, comparing the differing patterns of historical context and socialist legacies before 1990, and the impacts of internal and external forces on re-shaping these cities and their paths of transformation since 1990. It also examines the role of contemporary planning within the overall development of Central and Eastern European cities. The conclusion demonstrates the similarities and differences between Central and Eastern European cities and their re-integration into global networks.

The Rough Guide to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is your ultimate travel guide to the Baltic States, with inspiring colour photos, clear maps and in-depth descriptions of everything from Tallinn's most atmospheric drinking dens to the countries' finest sandy beaches and the best nature trails. Dip into the full colour introduction to get an idea of the highlights of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The guide itself features definitive accounts of the fascinating capital cities of Tallinn, Vilnius and Riga, as well as full coverage of smaller towns and villages and the distinctive landscapes of lakes, forests and national parks, and practical advice to help your travels run smoothly. It also contains tips on the best places for hiking, canoeing and birdwatching, as well as detailed maps for every region, and up-to-date reviews of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. Two new-look colour sections give the lowdown on food and drink and the great outdoors. This new edition also features a handy events calendar to help plan your trip across the Baltics to coincide with the best events - there's everything from jazz, ballet, chamber music and film festivals on offer throughout the year - as well as expert background on musical traditions, from the birth of Lithuanian free jazz to Estonia's first punk rock concert. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are thriving after hundreds of years of German colonization, numerous wars of conquest, and demographic Russification. Their cultures have survived, perhaps through a conscious effort to sustain many of their most ancient customs and traditions. Though the Baltic States are responding to modern and postmodern international trends, contemporary developments in the region's cultural life are part of an ongoing conversation about the way in which the Balts understand their histories, destinies, and national identities. This timely overview of the reemerging states portrays the Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians as they see themselves—through a historical lens. The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are thriving after hundreds of years of German colonization, numerous wars of conquest, and demographic Russification. Their cultures have survived, perhaps through a conscious effort to sustain many of their most ancient customs and traditions. Though the Baltic States are responding to modern and postmodern international trends, contemporary developments in the region's cultural life are part of an ongoing conversation about the way in which the Balts understand their own histories, destines, and national identities. This timely overview of the reemerging states portrays the Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians as they see themselves—through a historical lens. The approach in each of the topical chapters is to generalize what is common among the three states and then to focus on each country in turn. Chapters on the land, people, and history; religion; marriage, family, gender, and education; holidays, cuisine, and leisure activities; language, folklore, and literature; media and cinema; performing arts; and art are a superb introduction to the Baltics and to the unique aspects of the countries. Lithuania's culture has been heavily influenced by Poland, and the capital, Vilnius, was a thriving center of Jewish learning until the Nazi years. Latvia is the most ethnically diverse and Russian-influenced. Estonia sees itself as a European country, indeed, Scandinavian.

In the postD9/11 era of heightened security awareness, conflicting strategies for containing and combating security risks have strained relations between the United States and the European Union despite common goals. Atlantic Bridges argues that the U.S. must resist the temptation to focus its diplomatic efforts on bilateral agreements with those European countries in closest alignment to it, and instead use its dependable and durable partners among the central and eastern European states to develop more predictable and productive relations with the EU for the sake of long-term stability.

Estonia Country Study Guide - Strategic Information and Developments Volume 1 Strategic Information and Developments