Narva and the Russian-speaking population of Estonia as an example of the sociolinguistic and geopolitical challenge in the Baltic States

Abstract

This article examines the sociolinguistic and geopolitical implications of the Russian-speaking minority in Estonia, with a specific focus on the city of Narva, in the border with the Russian Federation. Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical, demographic and political analysis, the study explores post-independence policies, the ongoing process of educational Estonization, the evolving identity of Russian speakers, and the tensions triggered by the war in Ukraine. It argues that speaking Russian does not inherently indicate political disloyalty or alignment with Moscow, and that inclusive forms of citizenship are feasible within a plural framework. The article contributes to the broader debate on the nexus between language, identity and security in post-communist societies, offering a nuanced perspective on civic integration in multilingual contexts.

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