THREAT PERCEPTION AND MEMORY IN THE BALTICS AND UKRAINE

The invasion of Ukraine highlights the continued threat Russia poses to Eastern Europe. This essay describes these threats as twofold: investigating both the material realities of soldiers and weapons; as well as abstract notions like the role played by ideas and history. Discussing examples such as the “war of monuments;” the Baltic forest brothers; and the Holodomor; this paper examines how contrasting approaches to history and memory can lead to conflict in the region; particularly when threats are perceived differently by competing actors.