LATVIA'S GULLIVER'S TRAVELS Small State strategies and Role Perceptions in the EU after Russia´s invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

This master’s thesis investigates how small states navigate the institutional landscape of the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on Latvia. The research aims to examine how Latvian representatives perceive their role within the EU, especially in light of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, and to identify the strategies they employ to advance both national and collective interests. The study adopts a qualitative case study design, drawing on semi-structured interviews with Latvian officials and representatives engaged in EU policymaking. The analysis is grounded in Role Theory, which is used to explore the interplay between internal role conceptions and external expectations. The framework is expanded with a fourth dimension that incorporates small-state strategies, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of Latvia’s positioning within the EU. Findings reveal that Latvian representatives strategically employ coalition-building, specialisation, and institutional flexibility to enhance their influence. The formation of the Baltic coordination group within the European Commission illustrates how formalised collaboration can amplify small-state agency. Latvia’s proactive stance on sanctions against Russia and its vocal support for Ukraine further underscore its evolving role as a security-oriented actor within the EU. The thesis contributes to the broader field of small state studies by highlighting how Latvia adapts and asserts itself in a shifting geopolitical environment. It offers insights into the mechanisms through which small states can shape EU policy outcomes, even amidst significant structural constraints.