Estonia

Abstract

Estonia is one of the smallest member states of the EU and NATO with a population size (1.34 million) quite close to that of a microstate (Hein 1985: 16). While the small size of the country generally does not support sustained engagement in expeditionary operations, Estonia has been an active participant in international missions since 1995. Clearly, this commitment depended in part on the support of allies, but another factor - the will to contribute - has been very strong in Estonia’s case as well. This chapter attempts to shed light on Estonia’s strategic thinking and to understand what considerations have given rise to the policy of active participation in international crisis management.