The Radical Right in Interwar Estonia (Studies in Russia and East Europe)

by Andres Kasekamp

Release Date: June, 2000

Edition: Hardcover

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A valuable addition into an academic gap

As one of very few people in this world focusing on the political developments of Interwar (1918-1940) Estonia, the publishing of "The Radical Right in Interwar Estonia" is more than welcomed. This book by Andres Kasekamp fills an incredibly large gap in the academia of this region and the period.

The book lends an insight into a topic rarely covered, though fully topical for historians of the Europe during the turbulent Interwar period. Kasekamp makes a strong contribution to the field with comparitive studies of the Latvian and Finnish radical right movements of the period, creating a good balance for those less exposed to the history of the Baltic states during the first era of independence.

The book is by far the most detailed work to be published in English about this topic. As a researcher in this field, I thought it was about time someone tackled this topic in English. Even compared to studies in Estonian, this book breaks new ground and contributes to the study of the phenomenon of right-wing politics of the time.

Even those not familiar with Estonia would find this valuable, as it is very useful in a comparitive context. Those teaching courses on Interwar politics or radical right-wing organisations would find this book perfect for the reading list.

With Estonia slowly rejoining Europe, its history has also taken on new interest. This book fills a large gap that had existed for decades, and it is done at a top-class level. Only the relative exotic nature of the topic keeps it from being a 5-star book. However, for many of us, it's worth 6 stars.

Mel Huang Baltics Editor Central Europe Review