The emergence of Estonian-Finnish transnational space

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the characteristics and dynamics of the emergent transnational space of Estonia-Finland. The chapter gives an insight on transnationalism in settings that are unique in many respects: Both countries are European and EU member states, geographically, culturally, and linguistically proximate and post-industrialized societies. However, Estonia is a post-communist country that has faced very rapid political and economic transitions toward a neoliberal state, whereas Finland can be described as a relatively stable Nordic welfare state. Based on interviews with both Estonian as well as Finnish transmigrants, the analysis reflects the perspective of migrants from both sides of the Finnish Gulf, outlining similarities as well as differences, and also analyzing factors that might have caused these differences. The chapter gives an overview of the history of the Estonian-Finnish transnational space, evolving migratory patterns and networks in a relatively new migratory space, and focuses more specifically on political, sociocultural, economic, and educational transformations.