Lithuanian Annual Strategic Review

Lithuania's accession to the EU and NATO predetermined a new stage for Lithuanian-Russian relations. However these relations are still accompanied with a negative and suspicious attitude. Despite the number of contacts on various political levels and the functioning mechanisms of bilateral cooperation, and by content, featured by the implementation of mutually beneficial economic projects, are on a definitely high level. Therefore the author argues that in major issues of Russian-Lithuanian interaction, the balance between negative stereotypes of perception and interests of pragmatic cooperation are drifting in favour of the latter. In the long-term optimistic scenario, the factor of negative mutual perceptions is going to weaken, thus decreasing the opportunities for utilizing it in domestic politics. Relationships between Russia, the EU, and the U.S.A. alongside with keeping elements of competition are doomed for cooperation and probably partnership, reducing the demand for criticism towards Russia. So, the Baltic States will confront with necessity, the building of a cooperative model of relationships with their Eastern neighbour. The development of economic and humanitarian links, in particular on a regional level, serves as a precondition for overwhelming mutual negative images and fostering political dialogue between Russia and Lithuania.