Introduction: Latvia and Latvian Identity in Historical Perspective

Where is Latvia? And who are Latvians? In the present day, these questions might initially appear straightforward given that the borders of the independent republic of Latvia are clearly demarcated in northeastern Europe and citizenship statistics are freely available. However, Latvia as a concept and Latvian as an identity do not have a singular definition. In just over a century, Latvia has transitioned from imperial periphery, to nation-state, Soviet republic, and finally an independent EU member state following the collapse of the Soviet Union. What constitutes “Latvianness” has become increasingly contested against the backdrop of this seismic political, economic, cultural,