Estonia's Independence: A Reflection on Geopolitical Tides and Lingering Legacies

As Estonia approaches the 35th anniversary of its re-established independence, a provocative question arises: "What should we have done to not become independent?" This seemingly counterintuitive inquiry, attributed to a familiar acquaintance, prompts a deeper reflection on the historical forces at play.

The article posits that the geopolitical landscape of the late 20th century was dramatically reshaped by concurrent, yet distinct, initiatives. Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of perestroika and glasnost, on one hand, initiated a period of significant change within the Soviet bloc. On the other hand, Ronald Reagan's steadfast political resolve contributed to the broader geopolitical climate that facilitated the dissolution of existing power structures.

Together, these factors created what the author describes as the "greatest geopolitical tsunami" since World War II. This wave of change led to the disappearance of several nations from the world map and the emergence of many new ones. However, the piece cautions that the process of decolonization and the dismantling of empires is not always clean or complete. The lingering "tail of the empire" continues to create unresolved issues and historical reckonings that persist to this day, suggesting that the consequences of these past events are still unfolding.