Foreign policy and political parties : the case of Estonia

This study covers the evolution of Estonian foreign policy from 1999 to 2019 and in particular the developments regarding the foreign policy consensus among Estonian political parties. The dissertation aims to understand whether there is a foreign policy consensus among Estonian political parties since 1999 and how it manifests in party electoral programs and manifestos. The role of political parties in foreign policy decision-making in Estonia is studied as well. Model of consensus theory elaborated by Richard Melanson and the concept of Republican Liberalism presented by Andrew Moravcsik are applied in the thesis. Methodologically, the thesis adopts the form of a single case study using the qualitative content analysis, and coding as part of it. Firstly, party electoral programs and party manifestos are analyzed with the help of qualitative content analysis (QCA). Overall, 28 electoral programs and manifestos from 1999 to 2019 are included in my research. Next, QCA of expert interviews, conducted by the author regarding the topic of the research, is made. Finally, the ratification process of three foreign policy documents in the Riigikogu is analyzed. As a result of the analysis two kinds of consensus were found in the case of Estonia. According to the analysis of the electoral programs and party manifestos, policy consensus exists in Estonian foreign policy. Based on the analysis of the voting results, procedural consensus is also present in the Estonian case. There have not been any major changes in foreign policy consensus from 1999 to 2019 because of a strong commitment to the coalition treaty that mitigates the situation and creates the atmosphere of consensus. Foreign policymaking in Estonia is the interplay between the parliament, the opposition, and the Cabinet, which consists of representatives of the ruling parties. The results of this research have produced fresh findings. This study will contribute to investigation of Estonian foreign policy from the liberalist point of view, including its internal and external factors; and it will help to study the role of political parties in foreign policy decision-making. This work can be useful for Estonian political elite and foreign policy analysis learning