Mecys Laurinkus (Seimas of Lithuania), James West (Universal of Washington), Trevor Evans (US State Department), Jan Trapans (Ambassador of Latvia to NATO), Lauri Lepik (Embassy of Estonia), Ojars Kalnins (Embassy of Latvia). Photo by Zita Petkus.

The program brought together thirty experts from eight different nations and examined the current and future role of NATO not only in Northern Europe but in the world as a whole. The following represents one observer's impressions of this informative and enlightening event.

Panels for the conference presented the perspectives of different policies in Northern Europe regarding the issue of NATO enlargement. One panel presented Baltic perspectives on North European security while another presented Nordic views of the same issues. Two panels examined Russian perceptions of NATO, while another described Polish attitudes toward the alliance and Poland's bid for NATO membership. American and Canadian views of the issue of NATO expansion were presented in separate panels of their own, while a final panel suggested over arching frameworks regarding the development of security institutions in the modern world and their relation to the growth of democracy.

A key aspect of the conference was the strong and active participation of official government representatives. Ojars KalnirJs, Ambassador of Latvia to the United States, was joined by Lauri Lepik, Charge D'Affairs ad Interim of the Embassy of Estonia to the the United States, and Aapo Polho, Deputy Ambassador of Finland to the United States. Mecys Laurinkus, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Seimas (Parliament) of Lithuania, Trevor Evans of the Office of Baltic and Nordic Affairs at the US Department of State, and Jan Trapans, former Ambassador of Latvia to NATO contributed insights as well. These representatives offered their expert opinions alongside academic and government security analysts, making for lively discussion and a great attention to detail. Discussions spilled over beyond formal presentations into spirited conversations both during the conference sessions themselves and afterwards in the accompanying lunch and dinner events. Conference moderator Ronald Woods, Visiting Professor of the Jackson School and retired representative of the US Department of State, was hard put at times to balance participants' desire to speak with the needs of the conference schedule. The frank and insightful participation of all panelists made for a wonderful examination of a very complex set of questions and brought out side issues seldom explored in general discussions of NATO expansion.

Panelists in general divided their remarks between close examination of the specific issues involved in NATO enlargement today and the broader questions of NATO's future status and role. While little consensus emerged regarding the likely actions of NATO in the near future, a general view prevailed that NATO was likely to grow and change in substantive ways over the next decade. Individual nations need to plan their security regimens both in terms of local needs and in terms of broader regional security issues, many of which have not figured in discussions of security before. The question emerged as to what kind of institution NATO would be in ten years' time and whether or not it would serve the real security interests of member nations at that point. Conference participants placed an even larger question mark over the issue of Russia, however, and what kind of state it would be a decade from now. The unpredictability of Russia today was seen as a major factor preventing the real end of the Cold War, despite rhetoric and hopes to the contrary. The question of NATO expansion must be viewed in this context.

In contrast with the fleeting and often superficial discussion of NATO enlargement in the American press, the UW conference on NATO Enlargement offered a substantive and complex examination. In so doing, it revealed the paucity of open discussion in the West regarding international policy formation before the late stage of treaty ratification or implementation. It became clear to this observer that the enormity of the issues involved in the creation of world security in the future requires not secretive policy discussion behind closed doors but a frank and open discussion in the public, based on traditions of mutual respect and recognizing the complexity of the issues involved. For the participants and observers of the Conference on NATO Enlargement and the Baltic Region, such discussion of NATO began in earnest. We can only hope that many more such forums are created by institutions outside the Pacific Northwest as well.

Presenters in the Conference on NATO Enlargement and the Baltic Region,
May 6-7,1997:

Mikhail Alexseev (University of Washington)
Christopher Anstis (Visiting Scholar, Simon Frazer University)
Steven Blank (US Army War College)
Dan Chirot (University of Washington)
Douglas Clarke (ret. Capt. US Navy; ret. Radio Free Europe/OMRI)
Ingemar Dorfer (Swedish Defense Research Establishment)
Herbert Ellison (University of Washington)
Trevor Evans (Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs, United States Dept of State)
Teresa Rakowska Harmstone (Carleton University, Ottawa; Harvard Russian Research Center)
Dale Herspring (Kansas State University; ret. US State Dept.)
James Huntley (former President, Atlantic Council of the US)
Christine Ingebritsen (University of Washington)
Christopher Jones (University of Washington)
Ojars Kalnins (Ambassador of Latvia to the USA)
Riina Kionka (Columbia University)
MeEys Laurinkus (Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee of the Seimas, Lithuania)
Andrew Lepik (Charge d'Affaires ad Interim, Embassy of Estonia to the USA)
Andrew Michta (Rhodes College)
George Modelski (University of Washington)
George Kamoff Nicolsky (ret External Research, Department of National Defense, Ottawa)
Sergei Oznobistchev (Institute for Strategic Assessment, Moscow Public Science Foundation)
Aapo Polho (Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Finland to USA)
Vladimir Raskin (Moscow Center for Human Rights; University of Washington)
Pauls Raudseps (Managing Editor. Diena; Indiana University)
James Thyden (ret. US State Dept.)
Douglas Ross (Simon Frazer University)
Jan Trapans (former Ambassador of Latvia to NATO)
Raimo Vayrynen (Notre Dame University/University of Helsinki)
Ronald Woods (University of Washington; ret. US State Dept.)
Igor Zevelev (IMEMO, Moscow; Kennan Institute)

On March 21, students and visitors at the University of Washington were treated to an educational concert by Margus Veenre, a folk music specialist from the Estonian Folk Culture Center in Tallinn. A master of many instruments, Veenre told stories and demonstrated tunes on the kannel, accordion, bagpipes, mouth harp, and a number of different horns.

On April 14, Verena Stelps Dambrans surveyed the development of Latvian art music, presenting an introduction and discussion of elements which have shaped the transition from folk song to the contemporary vocal and instrumental expression. The lecture was accompanied by musical illustrations on the piano. Dambrans teaches piano, piano pedagogy and chamber music at the Capitol Music Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. She has performed as soloist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

On May 21-22, Bill Darden, Chair of the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Chicago, gave two lectures about Baltic and Indo-European historical linguistics. Refuting hypotheses by Renfrew, Gamkrelidze and Ivanov regarding the Indo-European homeland, Darden concurred with Gimbutas and Mallory, who believe that the E homeland was in the Steppe North of the Black and Caspian Sea, in the late 5th millenium B.C.

Congratulations to our graduates!

At the end of the Spring Quarter, Agita Misane, Fulbright Exchange student from Latvia, was awarded an M.A. degree in Scandinavian Area Studies. Sonia Wichmann, who studied Estonian in 1994-96, received the M.A. in Scandinavian Literature. Tiia Reinvald, who studied Estonian and spent a year at Tartu University on an American Collegiate Consortium Exchange, received a B.A. in Scandinavian Studies. Receiving Minors in Scandinavian Area Studies were two students who studied Latvian language and other topics in the Scandinavian Department, Zane Elksnitis and Anna Johnson

On Friday evening, June 6, students and friends of the Baltic Program celebrated the end of the school year at a reception followed by a scholarly program. A panel of five graduate students presented summaries of their current research. Titled "The Cutting Edge of Baltic Studies Today," the panel demonstrated that the future of Baltic Studies in our nation is full of great promise.

Lithuanian Teaching Assistant Jura Avizienis (Dept. of Comparative Literature) discussed the memoirs of Lithuanian women who were sent to Siberian exile. Fulbright Exchangee Agita Misane (Scandinavian Studies), told about her studies of national mythologies in North and Northeast Europe. Latvian language student Steve Grosse(Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies) summarized his research about Nordic policy toward Baltic membership in NATO. Estonian language student Anne Tuominen (Sociology) surveyed developments in the history of Estonian tourism during the Soviet period. Estonian language student Robert Smurr (History) summarized the history of the Estonian environmental protection movement before World War II and during the Soviet period.

The first steps in Bringing Baltic Studies to the University of Washington were made in Fall Quarter of 1991, when Scandinavian Department Professor Leslie Eliason taught a course in the UW Extension Subscription Lecture-Discussion Series titled "Baltic Renaissance: Security. Reconstruction and Prosperity."

The 1991 course syllabus relates, "Unexpectedly the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea appear to be blessed with unprecedented possibilities and opportunities for peace, freedom, and prosperity of historic significance. While the artificial divisions of Europe resulting from the Second World War are crumbling as East-West cold war tensions recede, a reactionary Soviet internal military coup has failed and communist totalitarian tyrannies are weakening potential chances for genuine progress are unfolding which would have been almost unthinkable only three years ago. This series examines present issues trends and future prospects for the Baltic region."

Fifty students registered for the course, and were treated to lectures by Stasys Lozoraitis (Ambassador of Lithuania to the USA), Gundar King (Pacific Lutheran University), Mart Kask (Estonian-American Community of Seattle), Taivo Laevastu (National Marine Fisheries Service), and University of Washington Professors Donald Treadgold, Leslie Eliason, Endel-Jakob Kolde, Craig Zumbrunnen, Willfried Spohn, and Chris Jones.

This summer, we must say farewell to one of the University of Washington Baltic Studies Program's founders, for Professor Eliason will be moving to the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where she has accepted an Associate Professor's position in the Graduate School of International Policy Studies. The Baltic Studies Program thanks Professor Eliason for her farsighted contribution to Baltic Studies at the University of Washington, and wishes her all the best of luck in the future.

In Winter Quarter (January 5 to March 20), Guntis Smidchens will teach SCAND 345/ SIS RE 345, "Baltic Cultures." The course, taught in English and requiring no knowledge of Baltic languages, will introduce the people and cultures of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, including an overview of masterpieces of Baltic literature, art, music and film. It will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:00-9:20 pm.

In Spring Quarter (March 30 to June 12), a new course will be added to the program. Tentatively numbered SCAND 344, "The Baltic States and Scandinavia" will survey Baltic history from the Viking Age to the present, with particular attention to Baltic-Scandinavian contacts. It will thus complement two Scandinavian History courses presently being taught (SCAND 380 and SCAND 381), which have recently been expanding from Scandinavia toward the Baltic.

Planning is also underway for a series of guest lectures on Baltic topics. Watch for news in the Fall Issue of the Baltic Fund News, or call the Scandinavian Department for information (206) 543-0645.

"Follow the Amber Road!" Auction

The auction, which was named "Follow the Amber Road... to the Baltic Program at the University of Washington!" featured more than 400 donated items and services, and attracted well over 300 bidders. A pair of roundtrip tickets to the three Baltic capital cities was raffled off, along with door prizes: a basket of amber and a basket of Baltic food.

Photo: Auctioneer Chuck Huffman exhorts bidders to be generous!

The following persons and companies donated items or services to the "Follow the Amber Road" Auction. The University of Washington expresses its sincerest gratitude for making this remarkable event an astounding success!

Zelma Abele, Inese Abers, ADI, Inc. (Marci's Jewelry), Aha! Partnership Group Inc., All Around Travel (Bellevue, WA), Barbara Anderson, Nancy Andvik, Ilma Apsitis, Ene-Liis Arrowsmith, Liuu Arrowsmith, Assaggio - Ristorante, Remigijus & Jurate Audejaitis, Jura Avizienis, Bartell Drugs, Greg Bear, Maris D. Benson, Velta Benson, Ina Bertulyte Bray, Maija Bitte, Irena Blekys, Blueberry Acres Farm, Gary Bogachus, Brittany Flowers, Vince & Carol Bryan, Steve Buck, Christie Bush, Marite Butners, Ann Buzaitis, Chateau Ste Michelle, Aija Christopher, Michael Christopher, Vaira & Graham Christopher, Livija Circenis, City People, Merchandise, Sarah Clinton, Crepes de Paris, Culinary Connections, Edmonds Community College, Jo Dereske, Sara DiMello, Thomas DuBois, Dukes-Queen Anne, Joe Dunarovich, E.B. Foote Winery, Earl Edwards, Maija Eerkes, Janet Ellis, Empty Space Theatre, Estravel (Tallinn, Estonia), Vida Farler, Mara Felzenberg, Fena Flowers, Finnair Airlines, Aristana Firethorne, Amanda Floan, Four Seasons Olympic Hotel, Friend of the Balts, I. Gaurys, Julija Gelazis, Gene Juarez Salons, Tressa Goff, Gloria Gunn, Ivars & Inese Graudins, Inta Gotelli, Aleksandra "Mama" Gylys, Birute Gylys, Lilly Handler, Chip Hanna, Lydia Hanna, Monika & Leo Hannibal, Jurate & Jeff Harrison, Holland America Line, Westours Inc, Juanita Holmes, Houghton Market, 11 Bistro, Linda Jaanson, Al Johnson, Mara Johnson, Leah Jossem, Maryte Jozaitis, DanceSport International, Sarmite Davidson, Christopher Juras, Silvija Paza, Pelayo Antiques, Jants A. Pelekis, Juozas & Zita Petkus, Zaiga Phillips, Hella Pikre, Heldur Podersoo, Laila Podra, Janis Praudins, Toni Praudins, Precor, Suzanne Price, Brone Puzaukas, Andrew Puzauskas, QFC, Queen City Grill, Eriks & Inese Raisters, Laurie & Victor Raisys, Rasa Raisys, Vidmantas & Nijole, Algimantas Kezys, Irene Kinderis, Saulius Kinderis, Hubert Kolde, Janis Korbs, Trudy Krastins, Lehta Kuljus, Milda Landys, Georg Laquian, Dawna Laughlin, Laume Ltd., Terje Leiren, Ausma Lidace, Henry Liffick, Steve Liffick, Longshoreman's Daughter, Meghan Mackrell, Kristi Magee, Lisa K. Marinkovich, Danute Masiuliene, Rasa & Saulius Matas, Ausra Ramanauskas, Povilas Mazeika, Vija Rauda, Letta McElreath, Tiia Reinvald, Mediterranean Kitchen, Karlis Rekevics, Jack Menashe, Ria Imports, Jim McDermott, Maija Riekstins, Letta McElreath, Ingrida Robinson, Virginia Metz, Aldona Minelga, Agita Misane, Margaret Elise Moore, Irena & Bruno Morkunas, Dalia Mrowiec, Ulme Muld, Laurie Napa, Merike & Doug Nichols, Jeanette Norris, Mary Oksas, Opus 204 Ltd, Geni & Paul Orrico, Vija Ozols, Aija Pakulis, Diana Palas, Pande Cameron & Co., M .Pareigis-Lukomski, Parker Cruise & Tour, Bob Steele, Anne Sterling, Rolands Strolis, Vitalis Svazas, Heinar Tamme, Audrey Tice Trejdeksnitis, Anne Tuominen, Ukana, Umberto's Ristorante, Uniontours, University Book Store, University of Washington, University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Dept., Art Urbelis, Aina Upenieks, Anita Upenieks, Upenieks Tire Factory, Uptown Glass Works -Charles Divelbiss, Uptown Glass Works - Dennis Muller, Julie Van Wettburg Henken, The Vault L.L.C., Andris & Inara Rogainis, Bonnie Way, Mike Rorbach, Gayle Rothrock, Dzintra Rubenis, Dan Ryan, Valda Sankalis, Sam Scott, Seattle Opera, Seattle Sheet Metal, Sigurd & Ilze Seglins, Kalev & Janne Sepp, Hilve Shuey, Peep Sillaste, Karl & Virginia Skotte, Zinta & Guntis Smidchens, Robert Smurr , Olga Solveiga , Valerie Sparkis, Irene Stapars, Dorothy Weiss, Egle Weiss, Loretta Werner, West Oregon Wood Products, Wiceman Appliance, Woodland Park Zoo, Woodland Park Zoological Society, Ieva Young ,Kathrine Young, Kristine Young, Patsy & Andrejs Zamelis, Valdis & Gunta Zarins, Biruta Zommers, Jules G. Zonn, Gloria Zvirzdys, Vida Zvirzdys-Farler, Zita Zvirazdys.

Visit the Department of Scandinavian Studies through the Internet!

Questions about the Baltic Studies Program and the Baltic Program Endowment may be sent to:
University of Washington
Baltic Studies Program
Box 353420
Seattle WA 98195-3420

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