#Patriotism the last bastion fullOnce one of the most militarised spots in Europe (and perhaps the world), the former “Soviet bastion” on the Baltic gazed at the new world full of promises. These feelings were especially strong in the westernmost region of the Russian Federation. The collapse of the Soviet Union, which at the time seemed to have tossed the oppressive communist regime into the dustbin of history, was perceived by many as a new beginning and a road to a bright future promising numerous opportunities and prospects. “Great expectations”… and the ugly reality of post-Soviet transformation In addition, key factors (both internal and external) that have led to this perplexing, quite gruesome and perhaps potentially dangerous metamorphosis shall be discussed. This article aims to trace the essence, patterns, logic and, to some extent, even the inevitability of the retransformation of post-Soviet Kaliningrad. Moreover, recent developments have signalled a resurrection of Russian political ambitions in the region, which for centuries has been a long-desired object of the Russian state’s expansionary policies and a battleground between Russia and the West. It would be true to suggest that it has reacquired its former status, and become the Russian “stronghold” on the Baltic. Under these circumstances the role of Kaliningrad Oblast has largely been recovered. Second, Moscow’s growing assertiveness has given totally new meaning to the issue of “border regions” and territories that are physically separated from Russia proper. First, the region has proven to be vital for the Kremlin, which perceives it as its natural sphere of influence. The escalation of tensions between the Russian Federation and NATO member states over the Baltic that skyrocketed in April 2016 revealed two main tendencies.
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