The Soviet policy towards the Baltic states in 1939-41
ENThis chapter provides a deliberately provocative alternative evaluation of Soviet strategy in the two years prior to the German attack in late June 1941. Due to the still extremely limited and fragmented accessibility of sources, it is built on new use of what is available. The character of the Soviet regime and the current official Russian unwillingness to challenge the traditional narrative of the start of the Great Patriotic War makes it impossible to conclusively prove the author’s thesis with quotes and footnotes. However, accepting Stalin’s now known combination of ideological motives, fundamental opportunism and lack of moral constraints, it becomes both relevant and legitimate to challenge the traditional narrative, if a logical alternative framework can be established. [...].
