Roosevelt, Churchill, and the Baltic Question

In 1940, the USSR occupied and annexed Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, leading to calls by many that the Soviets had violated international law. This book examines British, US, and Soviet policies toward the Baltic states, placing the true significance of the Baltic question in its proper geopolitical context.

“The topic has been discussed briefly in several works on power politics during World War II. … this work by Kaarel Piirimäe is an excellent overall presentation of the theme in question and it can be warmly recommended to everyone interested in the subject.” (Kari Alenius, Diplomacy & Statecraft, Vol. 27 (1), 2016)

“Kaarel Piirimäe offers a thorough and in-sightful analysis of the Baltic loss of independence through getting caught up in great power rivalries, alliances and divisions of spheres of influence. … P.’s comprehensive and thought-provoking study is a valuable resource on this period of Baltic history, which despite persistent attempts to revise it has so far lacked historical clarity.” (Agne Cepinskyte, Zeitschrift für Ostmitteleuropa-Forschung, Vol. 65 (3), 2016)

“Kaarel Piirimäe offers a thorough and insightful analysis of the Baltic loss of independence through getting caught up in great power rivalries, alliances and divisions of spheres of influence. … Piirimäe’s comprehensive and thought provoking study is a valuable resource on this period of Baltic history … .” (Agne Cepinskyte, Sehepunkte, Sehepunkte.de, Vol. 16 (11), 2016)

“The book is more a description and analysis of the evolution of British, American and Russian policy towards the balance of power in eastern Europe between 1939 and 1945 … . Piirimäe’s impeccably researched study makes it one of the most important recent contributions to the continuing debate on the origins of that conflict.” (Geoffrey Warner, International Affairs, Vol. 91 (6), 2015)

'An innovative and important study that opens up a neglected corner of wartime Europe. Kaarel Piirimäe has mined the archives to throw fresh light on relations between the Big Three allies and on the slide from World War to Cold War.' David Reynolds, Chair of the Faculty of History and Professor of International History, University of Cambridge, UK

'Piirimäe's study is a major contribution to our understanding of the fate of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during the Second World War. His research illuminates the dealings among the great powers that shaped the post-war international order.' - Andres Kasekamp, Professor of Baltic Politics, University of Tartu, Estonia

Kaarel Piirimäe is a Research Fellow at the University of Tartu, Estonia.