Spänningar i det transatlantiska samarbetet - En jämförande fallstudie av hur Baltikum reagerat på Donald Trumps ifrågasättande av Nato

Sammanfattning: This case study aims to explain the perception of the Baltic states with regard to the signals sent out by Donald Trump; claiming that Nato is obsolete, demanding the so called ”burden sharing” and a general questioning of the alliance actively creating a sense of security in Europe since 1949. The Baltic states, whom are dependent on Nato for their protection, are perceiving an increased military threat from Russia. The purpose of this thesis is to conduct a comparative study, using the most-likely-design, aiming to describe the possible differences as to how the Baltic states react to Trump’s statements and rhetoric. On many occasions, he has expressed that it is unacceptable for the USA that several Nato-countries for years have failed, and even neglected, to honour their commitment and agreements to allocate at least 2% of the GDP on national defence. The study is being analyzed from a perspective based on a theoretical framework, emanating from what has been brought along in previous research about the situation in the Baltic states from a security political standpoint. The material is based on statements made by Donald Trump as well as reactions from various political powers in the Baltic states and results from polls. The result indicates that there are no tangible variations with regard to reactions between the countries, however it is clear that there is a significant discrepancy in reaction within each country. The political establishment in the Baltic countries come to conclusions about the security situation that does not correlate with the public opinion; there is an explicit fear that is more farspread among the population than with the politicians.