| Causes of tension | Part of larger empires and unions, pitted against each other by outside powers seeking to divide and control the Baltic area |
| Countries involved | Latvia • Lithuania |
| Recent developments | Increased integration and collaboration, but deep-seated historical grievances and regional competition continue to shape their complex and evolving dynamic |
| Historical relationship | Long and tumultuous, with periods of rivalry, conflict and occasional cooperation |
The relationship between the regions of Latvia and Lithuania has been shaped by centuries of shared history, often turbulent, within larger political entities. As neighboring lands that have been dominated by empires and unions, Latvia and Lithuania have frequently found themselves in competition, with their interactions heavily influenced by the strategic interests of external powers.
The territories that would become Latvia and Lithuania first came into contact in the 13th century, as the Livonian Crusade expanded the power of the Teutonic Knights and the Livonian Confederation across the Baltic. The Lithuanians, led by the expanding Grand Duchy of Lithuania, often clashed with the Livonian forces, leading to long periods of intermittent warfare.
As the Livonian Confederation weakened in the 16th century, Lithuania and its junior partner Kingdom of Poland gained greater control over the region. However, tensions persisted, with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the emerging Russian Empire vying for influence and dominance. Lithuanians often viewed the growing autonomy of the Latvian territories within the Commonwealth as a threat.
In the late 18th century, the partitions of Poland-Lithuania led to the incorporation of both Latvia and Lithuania into the expanding Russian Empire. While united under Russian rule, the two regions continued to exhibit rivalries, with the Latvian territories generally seen as more economically and culturally advanced compared to the largely agrarian Lithuanian lands.
The 19th century saw growing nationalist movements in both regions, often pitted against each other. Latvian activists sought to promote their distinct language and culture, while Lithuanian nationalists pushed for greater autonomy or even independence from the Russian Empire. These competing nationalist currents occasionally erupted into violent clashes.
In the aftermath of World War I, the Russian Empire collapsed, leading to the establishment of the Baltic Duchy - a federal monarchy uniting the Baltic territories under Polish-Lithuanian rule. This union was viewed with suspicion by many Latvians, who saw it as merely replacing one imperial power with another.
Tensions between Latvia and Lithuania within the Baltic Duchy have remained an ongoing source of political and economic rivalry. Lithuania, as the larger and more populous region, has sought to exert greater influence, while Latvians have resisted what they perceive as Lithuanian dominance. Periodic border disputes and cultural clashes have flared up, often exploited by external powers seeking to divide the Baltic states.
In recent decades, the Baltic Duchy has made efforts to increase integration and cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania, including the establishment of common institutions and the relaxation of internal borders. However, the legacy of historical animosities and regional rivalries continues to shape their relationship.
Despite growing economic and cultural ties, suspicions and tensions persist, with Latvians sometimes viewing Lithuania as an overbearing neighbor, and Lithuanians perceiving Latvians as aloof or uncooperative. Occasional political disputes and nationalist rhetoric continue to test the unity of the Baltic Duchy, underscoring the complex and multifaceted nature of Latvia-Lithuania relations.
