Pakartotinis pripažinimas : Švedijos politika ir diplomatija atkuriant Lietuvos nepriklausomą valstybę 1918-1921 ir 1990-1991 m

Abstract

The aim of this article is to characterize and compare the politics and diplomacy of Sweden regarding the restoration of Lithuanian statehood in two different time periods: 1918-1921 and 1990- 1991. Swedish attitudes are analysed paying some but not very detailed attention to the politics of the other Nordic countries. The article is based upon archival research as well as upon analysis of Riksdag protocols, memoirs of diplomats, and Swedish periodicals. From a comparative analysis it becomes clear that Sweden took a very cautious attitude as to official de jure recognition of the Lithuanian Republic during both of these time periods. This depended on geopolitical reasons as well as on Swedish foreign policy pragmatism. But there were considerable efforts by Swedish diplomats to strengthen the factual statehood of Lithuania, especially in helping Lithuania join various international organizations. Membership in international organizations was held to be an important precondition for getting the Lithuanian Republic recognized internationally. During 1990-1991 the Swedish diplomatic presence in Lithuania, while unofficial and possible only under conditions controlled by the Soviet Union, was especially visible and in fact useful to Lithuania, even if Lithuanian politicians were unsatisfied with the delay of the official recognition. Social democrats (especially the well-known Swedish politician Hjalmar Branting) and liberals stood in favour of diplomatic and political help for Lithuania in 1918, while in 1990 the Lithuanian freedom movement was supported most visibly by conservative politicians. But only marginal politicians demanded immediate recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Lithuania. Public opinion was also influenced through the efforts of representatives of the different political forces mentioned during the relevant time periods. [...]