Towards a common identity? A comparative analysis of Estonian integration

Abstract

This thesis looks into the Estonian policies towards its Russian-speaking population within the framework of ethno-political regimes. It engages into a meta-analysis of major integration documents, namely, the State Integration Programme ‘Integration in Estonian Society 2000-2007’, the Development Plan ‘Estonian Integration Strategy 2008-2013’, and the Strategy of Integration and Social Cohesion in Estonia ‘Integrating Estonia 2020’. By focusing on the development of the ‘state identity’ concept in these documents, it evaluates changes of the ethno-political regime in Estonia. A thorough analysis of the most recent integration Programme ‘Integrating Estonia 2020’ demonstrates that Estonia is slowly moving towards more liberal vision of state identity in particular and its policies towards Russian-speakers in general.