National Identity in Estonia
Introduction
While reflecting a nations culture and history, national identity is the self-perception that distinguishes a country in the global stage. Not only does the complex narrative set a country apart from others, but it creates a unique identity that resonates with the nation’s population. Although the country of Estonia has struggled with foreigners occupying its territory in the past, their fight for independence plays a large role in the country’s identity, and their ability to hold their own. The Estonian population takes heavy pride in their independence and celebrates their ability to preserve their culture, while also being inviting to numerous other cultures and ethnicities. In order to cleanse of their Soviet history, Estonia felt the desire to establish themselves as an independent country in the European Union, which grants them a membership alongside their fellow European countries. Along with being officially recognized as a European country, acceptance into the EU states that the pledged country follows specific values and beliefs that coincide with their allies. Along with their independence, the Estonian population also takes pride in preserving their language and rich culture, despite heavy foreign influence. Internal traits of a nation heavily play into their identity as a country, but their contrast against their neighbors is also a large trait to factor in. What makes a nation seem so singular, is their ability to seem difference form their counterparts, and how they stand out to other countries in a global sense.
Defining National Identity
The term national identity is a multifaceted concept that weaves together a country’s culture and history into its self-image. It captures what sets a nation apart from others and forges a distinct identity among the global community. While various traits can play into the create of a nation’s identity, the most prominent features are those that give them a specific spotlight. While these traits are heavily reflected off of other nations and how they play off of each other, a nations identity is made secure if the population on the country are in alignment with it. This is likely to be the case since a nations identity heavily reflects a populations language, culture, tradition, and history. By showing pride in their nation’s personality, citizens of their respective nations are providing support for their country.
History and Independence
The history of Estonia and their fight for independence is heavily marked by the complex interactions of foreign dominations, cultural influences, and their struggle to obtain uninterrupted independence. During the medieval ages, Estonia was able to witness the growth of the Baltic powers and their increase in both trade and military. While their part as a Baltic state gave them recognition, they were not powerful enough to be a prominent country in the current global politics. Although Sweden emerged from the Baltic as a dominant power and soon ruled over Estonia, this reign was swiftly put to an end when the Russian Empire won the Great Northern War. After the first World War Estonia was recognized as an independent nation, but later diminished when Russia occupied the nation during the second World War. With the periodic transitions of the nation being occupied to independence, Estonia finally gained full independence in 1991, and has not looked back since. “Although the resulting war and conquests brought hardships, they also helped build up a separate identity” (Taagepera, 2018). The Estonian population faced many challenges in their past, but these challenges just expressed how dedicated they were to becoming an independent nation. With such a heavy history regarding their struggle with their independence, the country of Estonia takes pride in their earned independent, especially since they are such a smaller country in comparison to their counterparts.
Joining the European Union
Estonia’s accession to the European Union marked a significant chapter in the nation’s post-Soviet history and solidified its commitment to western values and integration into the European community. “The treaty on European Union stipulates that any European country may apply for membership if the state respects and follows the EU’s democratic values and meets all the membership criteria” (Chochia, 2019). Estonia felt that their values were in alignment with other European countries in the union, and knew that solidifying a status such as this would heavily aid them in global recognition. 2004 Estonia was able to officially become a member of the EU, which would lead to a plethora of economic opportunities, political stability, and strengthened relationships with fellow European nations. Along with officially departing with its Soviet related past, Estonia’s embrace of being part of the European Union confirmed its dedication to democratic principles and protection regarding individual rights. “A status as that would help consolidate freedom and boost the economy” (Chochia, 2019). The integration into the EU had played a pivotal role in shaping Estonia’s nation identity as it has brought recognition to their political values and allowing them to join a community that would be very beneficial to the country.
Language Preservation
With various attempts on taking over the country, the Estonian community has beat the odds and have been able to the Estonian language alive and strong, along with their various cultures and traditions. As one of the few Finnic-Ugric languages in Europe, Estonian is not part of the Indo-European language family, which sets it apart from many of its European neighbors. Joining the European Union would help Estonia maintain a steady preservation since policies in the EU “support a growing cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and reject assimilative methods under the pressure of academics, politicians and civil movements” (Aidarov, 2006). The preservation and promotion of the Estonian language has been a vital method in fostering a sense of unity amongst the population, as it serves as a powerful symbol of national pride.
“Othering”
When dissecting national identity and its effectiveness when representing a country, one cannot overlook the significant influence of “othering” in shaping a country’s representation. The term “othering’ represents the idea that a nation’s identity is intertwined with the indentities of other countries creating a mosaic where differences and contrasts contribute to its singularity. Similar to pieces of a puzzle, each distinct piece contributes to the overall image while play off if its neighbors identity. “It’s existence presupposes the existence of ‘others’, other nations or individuals, who do not belong to the group and from which the ingroup must be distinguished” (Triandafyllidou, 1998). The identity of a nation is linked to its neighbors, as they serve as a backdrop to make the respective nation “stand out”.
References
Aidarov, A. (2006) The Preservation of Old Belief in Estonia: Social Capital as End and Means of Public Policy. Old Believers in Estonia, 15-18. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aleksandr-Aidarov/publication/28581307_The_preservation_of_old_belief_in_Estonia_social_capital_as_end_and_means_of_public_policy/links/0c960527fe4e654d26000000/The-preservation-of-old-belief-in-Estonia-social-capital-as-end-and-means-of-public-policy.pdf
Jordan, P. (2014). Journal of Baltic Studies. Nation Branding: A Tool for Nationalism?, 283-303. https://www-jstor-org.proxy.seattleu.edu/stable/26764050?sid=primo&seq=4
Kerikmäe, T., Mölder, H., & Chochia, A. (2019). Estonia and the European Union. Summary, 1-2). Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. https://oxfordre.com/politics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-1105#acrefore-9780190228637-e-1105-div1-2
Taagepera, R. (2018). Estonia: Return to Independence. Soviet Occupation, 77-21. https://books.google.com/books?id=DQHFDwAAQBAJ&dq=return+to+independence&lr=&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Taylor, N. (2018). Estonia: A Modern History. Independent, but Firmly in Europe, 171-207. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Qb_1DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Estonia:+a+modern+history+&ots=NJLtA3H5IQ&sig=AkGdWvAuXOXv4UuZm9UfBqaUUpI#v=onepage&q=Estonia%3A%20a%20modern%20history&f=false
Triandafyllidou, A. (2998). National Identity and the “Other”. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 593-612. https://doi.org/10.1080/014198798329784
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