Lenn, Maria; (2000) Nationalism, Democratization and Inter-Ethnic Relations in the Lithuanian State 1988-1992. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

The thesis is looking at the relationship between nationalism and democratization in Lithuania in the period 1988-1992. Its overall perspective is that nationalism in Lithuania was a spur to democratization from below, and examines empirical events in the light of the theories of nationalism of Anthony Smith, Ernest Gellner, Eric Hobsbawm and Benedict Anderson. The thesis starts by giving the main stages in the process of Lithuanian independence, and refers back to Lithuania's incorporation into the Soviet Union, the German invasion, and resistance to Soviet rule. Chapter 2 looks at the 'Historical Self-Image of Lithuania' which subjects the role of historical memory in nationalist movements to critical analysis, and indicates what nationalists in Lithuania would be likely to prioritize as being important when taking over the Soviet Lithuanian state. Chapter 3 on 'Nationalism' selects seven areas which are intrinsic to nationalist movements (history and culture, language, education, the environment, citizenship, the economy and symbolism) to see how far theories of nationalism relate to empirical events, and begins to explore the relationship between nationalism and democratization in the Lithuanian setting. Chapter 4, 'From Liberalization to Democratization', subjects Lithuanian nationalism to theories of democratization to see to what extent Lithuanian nationalism has met democratic criteria. It does this by looking at the independent media; constitutional processes; parties, self-organizing groups and movements; elections; protection of minorities; and the process of transplacement as a means of achieving democracy in Lithuania. Chapter 5 on 'The Poles and Russians in Lithuania' looks at how these two ethnic groups responded to Lithuanian nationalism, and examines their political activity against theories of nationalism with references to democratization. The concluding Chapter brings the points raised throughout the whole thesis together, and sets out how nationalism in Lithuania brought forth both independence and democratization.

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