to the United States of America

The Republic of Latvia and the United States of America celebrate the centennial anniversary of their diplomatic relations in a very different world than when they first started. Through two World Wars, Soviet imperialism, and the establishment of the modern global liberal order, the world has — in many ways — become unrecognizable. Yet one of the emergent constants has been the relationship between the United States and Latvia. Both countries have become stalwart partners in the face of authoritarianism, united by their commitment to democracy and freedom.

The first marker in their relationship was in 1922, when Latvia’s flag was raised by the United States Department of State, recognizing Latvia as an independent democratic country. The United States continued its steadfast support by never recognizing the Soviet occupation of the Baltic countries, and it issued the Sumner Welles Declaration of 1940. Throughout the dark years of Soviet rule, Latvia’s flag continued to proudly fly by the Department of State and our diplomats in exile continued to represent a free and democratic Latvia in Washington, DC.

Once Latvia’s independence was restored, the United States was a supportive partner as Latvia rebuilt its institutions and military capabilities. The alliance was strengthened further when Latvia joined NATO. Latvia and the United States maintain their shared values and a commitment to democracy, freedom, the rule of law, security and prosperity. To this day, cooperation with the United States continues to grow stronger each year, tackling a range of issues including security policy, the economy, energy and climate, culture, and digitalization. Through a hundred years, the two countries have become strategic allies, valued partners, and close friends.

However, other, more worrying, constants have also become apparent in the past hundred years. Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine is the latest and most drastic act among a growing list of aggressive measures. Support to Ukraine and cooperation against other threats to democratic and liberal principles highlight that there is still space for Latvia and the United States to continue strengthening their transatlantic bond.

This book is an important amalgamation of the journey of the past hundred years. It provides new insight into the relationship of the two countries, while also reminding audiences why that relationship has been critical to shaping an independent and flourishing Latvia. The retrospective contributions in this book will provide important guidance to the future of both countries in a world which — as has become increasingly clear — often echoes the past.