Features

Features offer in-depth accounts of issues related to the region without prior peer-review process.

The Amber Road Center and Periphery

For millennia there has been plenty of amber in the blue clay around the coasts of the Baltic Sea. These coveted stones, which were considered to be have magical properties, were sent via the rivers of Europe all the way to Rome to be traded.

By Anders Hammarlund March 24, 2010

A European Dilemma. the Romanies

The situation of the Romani has not improved since the fall of the Wall and the enlargement of the EU. Europe’s largest minority live as outsiders, and often under the threat of violence.

By Irka Cederberg March 24, 2010

Emigration and Immigration – and a New Role for Labor Market Parties

After the financial crisis, a growing number of unemployed people have made their way to their more prosperous neighboring countries in the West in order to support themselves. The gap between the rich and the poor appears only to be increasing, both within and between countries.

By Anna Danielsson March 24, 2010

Natural Gas. Makes Russia Stronger

In the Baltic countries, there is a great need for energy. The Nord Stream project is a power game in which Russia may come to strengthen its role.

By Anders Hellner February 19, 2010

Anti-trafficking efforts. Hard to Get Results

One result of efforts to halt trafficking is that the situation of those at risk becomes more difficult. So say NGOs and researchers. When women are sent home, they end up in a more vulnerable position – often they go back to trafficking.

By Ninna Mörner February 19, 2010

Combining Activism and research

Thomas Acton describes how Romanies are always outsiders. He contends that it is impossible to be engaged in Romani Studies without also becoming part of the Romanies’ struggle.

By Ninna Mörner February 19, 2010

A polish heart in Lithuania

Poles in Lithuania are a minority who want to strengthen their identity. They are now demanding to have their names spelled correctly in official records.

By Arne Bengtsson February 19, 2010

Queer in polish

Joanna Mizelienska, lecturer in gender and queer studies, argues that it is difficult to apply queer theory in Poland. Can one speak of constructed sexual identities where gay rights are disregarded or violated?

By Ninna Mörner February 19, 2010

Homosexuals. the invisible citizens of lithuania

The passing of a homophobic law 2009 threw the spotlight on the difficult situation faced by the homosexual community in Lithuania.

By Marielle Vitureau February 19, 2010

Fluid boundaries. impressions from a Baltic Meeting

Annual meeting in Narva of translators and writers from countries around the Baltic Sea. Meetings, exchanges of experience – which are the cultural common denominators and where are the barriers?

By Unn Gustafsson February 19, 2010