US and Them - Ethnic tensions and nationalism in Latvia

Nationalism in Latvia has played a very important role in the history of the country and continues to be a driving force in domestic and foreign politics today. Modern day politics and decisions are often justified with unrelated historical context and certain interpretations of historical events. The Soviet period in Latvia resulted in a high ratio of ethnic Russians, as much as 40% of the entire population by some estimates, and has over time produced a highly split society along these ethnic lines. These ethnic lines are often also politically dividing. With increasing radicalization and potential conflicts in the post-Soviet era due to ethnic tensions, it is highly likely to see societal and political tensions grow over time. As it stands, the trends in society, politics and academia are not conducive to any attempts to consolidate the society by compromise or understanding, nor does there appear to be any will to do so. This presages an uncertain future for Latvia and the region as a whole