Estonia in Baltic naval cooperation : business as usual?

Abstract: Since the re-establishment of Estonian navy, Baltic naval cooperation has played various roles for the Estonian navy. During different periods, Estonian involvement in cooperation has been fluctuating and in 2014, Estonia decided to withdraw from afloat cooperation, yet continuing with other forms of it. In 2018, Estonia proposed new concept and goals for Baltic Naval cooperation. To better understand the current state of affairs, the main motives behind Estonia’s acting in cooperation from establishing the cooperation until today are studied and presented. The main aim of this thesis is high-light which factors are favourable to carry out the ideas presented in the concept for future cooperation, Baltic Naval Vision 2030+. Results show that there are factors indicating favourable conditions to carry out the plans, nevertheless, there are also factors less favourable. The most salient favouring factor is the strategic culture which is similar in Baltic countries, the most salient hindering factor is lack of top-down political support.