Znaczenie NATO dla wewnętrznej polityki Litwy

The author considers the importance of NATO for Lithuanian internal affairs and the quality of Lithuanian statehood. The article covers the period from 1993 (when Lithuanian political elites decided to aspire to NATO) onwards, following the influence of the preparation for membership and participation in the Treaty upon political life in Lithuania. There are some key issues (for example the impeachment of president Rolandas Paksas) discussed. The author also pays considerable attention to the attitude of Lithuanian society towards the membership in NATO, towards “the Russian factor” and political discussions over Lithuania’s membership. The article is based on the assumption that delimitation between “internal” and “foreign” affairs in politics of states is no longer clear or sharp, so one can regard Lithuanian aspiration and membership in NATO as an element of internal political process.