The Importance of Historical Knowledge in Solving Geopolitical Challenges Arising in the Present
Last week, students and researchers from the Centre for Geopolitics of Cambridge University visited Vilnius University’s Faculty of History. They discussed British geopolitics in the Baltic states during the summer school. The summer school ended with a discussion where Minister of National Defense Dr. Arvydas Anušauskas, British Ambassador to Lithuania Bryan Oley, the Head of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania Rasa Ščiukinaitė, former British Home Secretary Prof. Charles Clarke, and members of Vilnius and Cambridge universities communities discussed the security challenges facing the Baltic region.
Russia recognized as a threat to security
“When it comes to challenges facing the security of the Baltic region, the first thing we have in mind is Russia, its current threats and aggression against Ukraine, which has changed and continues changing the geopolitical situation in the region. I believe every European country currently feels very similar threats and risks,” Minister of National Defense Dr. Arvydas Anušauskas said, noting that NATO has also recognized Russia as a threat to the entire alliance and Euro-Atlantic security.
The war in Ukraine, which has changed and continues to change the geopolitical situation in the region, at the same time forms new cultural, political, and economic relations between the states. The Head of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania says that although due to Russian aggression and restrictions on Chinese imports from Lithuania the country suffered a lot of losses, it also saw new opportunities opening up.
“As we know from history books, a war always comes with a price. Of course, it also had a strong impact on the trade sector. But we are ready to accept all economic costs because Europe stands united in this area and is ready to help the trade sector of the Baltic countries,” says the representative of the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania.
According to her, it is very important to note that Lithuania was the first country that made a very bold decision to be independent of Russian oil and gas and shows an example of the steps Europe could also take to become less dependent on Russia in the field of energy.
British Ambassador Bryan Oley, overviewing the field of international relations, named Lithuania as a brave country that is ready to stick to its beliefs no matter what. He rejoiced in the excellent bilateral diplomatic and trade relations between Lithuania and Great Britain, which have only been growing and strengthening in recent years. According to him, due to the strained economic relations with China, the export of Lithuanian products to the country decreased by more than 75% in 2022; however, Lithuania made a decision to look for trade relations in other countries, including Taiwan. Over the last two years, exports from Great Britain to Lithuania and imports from Lithuania to Great Britain also grew.
Rasa Ščiukinaitė seconded the ambassador, stating that the export of goods from Lithuania to England is indeed growing and she only sees positive trends for its further growth.
Great Britain will continue supporting Lithuania
Former British Home Secretary and Member of Parliament Charles Clarke emphasized the importance of history in understanding the current political situation in the Baltic region. “Only by knowing the events of the past and their development will we be able to understand the present. Geopolitical challenges must be analyzed by looking at them through historical experience.” He also assured that, despite the political changes currently taking place in his country, Great Britain will undoubtedly continue supporting Lithuania in the field of security.
The discussion at the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania not only provided Cambridge University students with new knowledge about the Baltic region and its security architecture but also revealed the importance of historical knowledge and the scientific community in solving geopolitical challenges arising in the present. The synthesis of the academic and political fields reveals a multi-perspective approach to today’s events and enables smooth decision-making and cooperation between countries in various formats. The summer school organized by Vilnius University’s Faculty of History for students of Cambridge University, future lawyers, politicians, civil servants, and diplomats broadened their knowledge about the region and accordingly strengthened international academic cooperation.