체제 전환 전후 리투아니아의 국가 정체성 변화와 반사회주의 행보에의 영향 연구

Abstract

National identity can be regarded as among the most important identities of human beings. It is obvious that the national identity of Lithuania was influenced by political and social situations such as the historical environment, Catholicism, anti-socialism and the pro-EU attitude. In the twenty-first century the political strategy of Lithuania displays the intention to discontinue partnerships with authoritarian countries stemming from past communist experiences. The present anti-socialist attitude is thought to be under the influence of national identity formed in the historical and social circumstances which Lithuania had to face, under more than a few political leaders. After the transformation of its political system, Lithuania had to stray about between the country's traditional identity and the identity which was ‘damaged and delayed’ by the Soviet Union. When Soviet occupation forced Lithuania’s transformation from a society which developed sharing Europeanness to one of collectivism and socialism, the Lithuanian identity and image were profoundly distorted inwardly and outwardly. The most crucial incident which solidified the identity of Lithuania as a part of Europe is the appearance of Sąjūdis. This political group, inaugurated to prepare for the establishment of an autonomous Lithuanian government even before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, also enhanced the value of Lithuania in the context of Europe. The historical accomplishments and impacts of Sąjūdis, inaugurated by Vytautas Lansbergis who filled the post of Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania are still active in the twenty-first century. The Lithuanian anti-socialist identity was formed in the mixture between the demand for consolidation of Lithunianness based on the liberal thought of German Romanticism and Catholic traditions formulated in the eighteenth century and the principle of self-sacrifice, and eventually affected a significant influence to the contemporary society. It is expected that more pressure will be exerted on the relationship with Russia and China with the synergy of an anti-socialist attitude which transformed the Lithuanian national identity from a sense of belonging and traditional values. I intend to discover the foundation of anti-socialist political strategy and foresee the direction in the future through examination of identity built in Lithuanian society and the process of its formation.