SEA POWER IN THE BALTIC SEA

Abstract

This article contributes to the discussion of maritime security by assessing the elements of sea power of the Baltic coastal states, focusing on state-on-state interaction. The research question that will be answered is: what is the character and importance of sea power for the Baltic Sea nations in the contemporary geopolitical setting? The article consists of theoretical and empirical parts. In the former, theoretical frameworks of national power, geopolitics, sea power, and small state sea power – coastal power – are created. In the latter, four elements of sea power – geographical, social, economic, and military – across the Baltic Sea nations are analysed. The methodology used is qualitative comparative analysis (so-called ‘small N’), where the cases are the sea powers of the Baltic Sea countries and the units of analysis are the above-mentioned elements of sea power. The main results of this research are the following: the nature of sea power in the Baltic Sea is the same as for great powers; however, its character is different. The importance of sea power in the Baltic Sea springs from geography, which for both economic and military elements mainly means assuring access. This importance, however, is not appreciated by Western oriented Baltic Sea countries whose sea power manifests in small merchant fleets, insufficient numbers of warships, and capability gaps for Baltic operations.