Samenvatting

This research analyses the situation of the Russian minority in Lithuania. Lithuania is a post-soviet country and a neighbour of the Russian Federation that has been feeling threats due to Russia´s actions in Ukraine and its overall policies for its near abroad and compatriots. As a country with a Russian minority, Lithuania could theoretically also be exposed to the threat coming from Russia and expect military actions. In order to analyse if there are any chances for this to happen, a research question has been formed: The Russian minority in Lithuania: to what extent cant the minority be affected by soft power and accelerate the Russian – Lithuanian conflict? As a result, this research paper will take a look into a few different segments. It starts with the Lithuanian history of the 20th century, marked with the USSR´s actions in Soviet Lithuania and Russianization policies. In this way the presence of the minority in Lithuania is explained. Then, the current status and the situation of the Russian minority in Lithuania and Lithuania and Russia´s approaches towards the minority are discussed. In order to understand the situation, the concept of soft power is analysed through the cases of Crimea and Visaginas, which is a Russophone city of Lithuania. Finally, the report takes a look into the future and possible outcomes of the current situation.
The Russian minority in Lithuania is an example of well-developed Russia´s foreign policies. Instead of focusing on physical force, Russia is trying to gain more influence in a soft way. This research reveals how media, press, Russia´s compatriot policies and various funds intend to influence the Lithuania´s second biggest minority. The common past is a perfect background for soft power to be applied. On the other hand there is Lithuania, which is tackling the issue by trying to integrate the minority as much as possible and by being openly against Russia. It is shown by Lithuania´s language policies, growing pressure to attend Lithuanian-spoken schools, limiting of the Russian media, statements and actions of Lithuania as a state. However, it should not be forgotten that the Russian minority by some is described as neither Russian, nor Lithuanian. The minority members are lost in between two different backgrounds.
All in all, the research reveals that Lithuania´s fears over the Russian attacks are not completely reasonable. Country has, to some extent, imagined itself as the next Ukraine; however, its current political status guarantees it safety. What is more, the research shows that the Russian minority is favourable to Russia because of the emotional ties with the country but it also remains strongly pro-Lithuanian.