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> Not too different though, looking at how the Baltic states have developed when given the choice and chance. The Baltic states were gobbled up by the Soviet U
by T-A 4y ago
> Not too different though, looking at how the Baltic states have developed when given the choice and chance.
The Baltic states were gobbled up by the Soviet Union during WWII, and accrued significant Russian minorities during the Cold War, but they are culturally and ethnically distinct from Russia, with their own languages and histories going back centuries (just check out the Grand Duchy of Lithuania).
- Gwypaas 4y agoCompletely agree. Been to all three, very different culturally, both within and compared to Russia, but still with a noticeable Soviet heritage. Especially Tallinn is becoming a hugely interesting city with the mix of centuries old history, some soviet heritage, new and tech. They still make an interesting thought experiment since they actually were wholly integrated into the Soviet Union. The other examples near EU are Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova which have ended up on completely different paths. In comparison to the former East Block nations which more were in the Soviet sphere which was a similar but different existence.