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The History of Estonian Diplomacy, Foreign and Security Policy of Estonia: Accession to International Organisations, 1990-2010

This research project focuses on a broad study of the diplomacy and foreign and security policy of Estonia after the restoration of independence. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of Estonia’s accession to international organizations in the 1990s and early 2000s. We will examine Estonia’s expectations of international organizations, the norms and rules it had to adapt to in order to join the Western-centric international community, and how these accessions influenced Estonia’s beliefs and practices in areas such as national security. More specifically, the study examines Estonia’s learning process in relation to each major international organization that Estonia joined.

This website contains all the information about the project, the research team, and news, events, and publications related to the project.

“When the Republic of Estonia was restored, many dreamed that Estonia could be a bridge between East and West. Then it was realized that Estonia is more of an outpost of Western civilization than a bridge. Three decades later, we are forced to admit that we are a frontline state. The world order that followed the Cold War has collapsed. If we want to survive, we must study the history of our foreign policy more closely. This is where the question of war and peace lies. That is why I say that recent history, especially political history in its international context, is not a task but an obligation.”

Kaarel Piirimäe, 18th September 2025

Banner photos (starting from left): UN Headquarters, evening view from the East River (ERA.5948.1.10.9.2); Foreign Minister Jüri Luik answers questions from journalists at a press conference of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, 25.05.1994 (EFA.204.0.174136); CSCE Helsinki meeting, 30.03.1992 (EFA.204.0.261978); President Arnold Rüütel and Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland sign Estonia’s accession treaty to the European Union in Athens, 16.04.2003 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Referendum on accession to the European Union and amendment of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, 14.09.2003 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Strasbourg, European Palace. Signing ceremony for the European Cultural Convention. J. Manitski, Catherine Lalumiere et al., 07.05.1992 (EFA.204.0.262888); Estonian and NATO flags at Tallinn Airport, 17.01.1994 (EFA.204.0.267337); General Wesley Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, meeting with Lieutenant General Johannes Kert, Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, 25.09.1998 (EFA.204.0.178637).