Latvia in the Baltic Freedom Way Through Singing Revolutions Towards the Restoration of Independence from the Soviet Russian Empire

Abstract

The aim of this master's thesis research paper has been to reflect on the conceptual and theoretical framework of peace studies and practice research through examining the context behind the late 1980s Baltic states independence movements also known as "The Baltic Freedom Way" and "Singing Revolutions". The chosen and compiled conceptual and theoretical framework representing selected peace studies perspective in this paper is based on theories and works by J. Galtung, Webel, J.P. Lederach, Levinger, Ho-Won Jeong, Lynch, and McGoldrick, among others. As a result, the selected goals of conflict analysis have been set to investigate the origins and development of conflicts, consider various root causes, differentiate various phases and levels of conflict, examine various players and their perspectives, interests, and intentions, and focus on and consider human experiences, allowing an evaluation of how conflict has been or could be addressed to achieve meaningful, nonviolent, and productive compromises. The qualitative data and information analysis was conducted by close reading and making notes of a variety of primary and secondary documents and sources such as relevant books, academic papers, informative brochures, news articles, informative websites, museum visits, and some informal talks with my parents, grandparents, and their friends who were involved in various forms of political and social activism throughout Latvia's independence movements – and then analysing the results according to the set criteria. The Baltic Freedom Way case study exemplifies effective nonviolent action aimed at achieving political goals, drawing attention to injustices, and spreading ideas through societal activities, political engagement, and international support. This demonstration became one of the biggest demonstrations in the Soviet Union, drawing international attention to three nations' public solidarity and desire for self-determination, laying the groundwork for subsequent efforts to expand self-determination demands and, ultimately, leading to the restoration of Baltic state independence. Because of the author's background and the selection of sources, the research has mainly focused on the perspective of Latvian historical experiences (while also considering multiple perspectives for greater objectivity) by examining and selecting various Latvian, English, and Russian language source materials).

Keywords: peace studies, conflict analysis, civil disobedience, non-violent resistance, Baltic Way, independence movements