SJS1 - The Russians of Estonia

SJS1 - "The Russians of Estonia" 

Koora, Katja. "The Russians of Estonia." World Affairs 177.2 (1984): 66-73. Print. 

Author Credentials: Katja Koort is an academic at Tallinn University, Estonia. This being said, he has extensive background and experience in his topic area, not only through an intellectual, but personal, stand-point. 

Summary: The article looks at the effects of Russia and it's history in the Baltic States, most notably Estonia. It measures the impacts of Russian influence; media, language, and culture on Estonia's demographics. Koort utilizes his personal history and background to analyze the effects. Like how many in Estonia struggle with a cultural identity crisis. Embrace their Russian heritage and/or become uniquely Estonian? Such is the central question in the author's exploration. In the end, he sides with "...an independent and free estonia." Any Estonian issues must be solved by the way of it's constitution, and not Russia's or that of anybody of the West. 

Analysis: I found Koora very persuasive. It is both good and bad regarding his first hand experience. On one hand, he provides very good details and evidence of his findings and opinions, however, on the other, such personal stake can lead to altering and emphasizing evidence. I doubt that this is true in this case, though. Being an intellect, and passionate about his cause, I thought his article was very cut and dry on his take for an independent Estonia. And I am line to believe him. For him, as he explains it, his people are at the forefront of this struggle. This author is a reliable source because it is a first hand backed with personal accounts on Russian/Estonian issues. And really, you could be neither pro-either because he really stakes a middle claim in that all issues should adhere to Estonian constitutional law. In effect, Koora provided an in-depth analysis of his findings and eventual opinion.