What do you think of when we say “Europe”? Author Oliver Moody, the Berlin bureau chief of The Times, makes a compelling case for why the plucky, innovative countries bordering the Baltic Sea best represent the European spirit and the continent’s future. The timely 384-page Baltic: The Future of Europe is consistently tethered to the issue of Russia — exploring the threats facing Baltic countries, Europe’s military capabilities in the region, and how to prevent war.

A tortured history: From the mid 20th century, the Baltic region witnessed the fiercest battleground between Nazism and Communism, Soviet occupation, and long struggles for independence. Moody delivers gripping narratives for how Estonia, Finland, and Latvia each responded to these watershed events.

Rousing tales of national success: Nobody predicted that the Baltics would extricate themselves from their destitution at the hands of the Soviets so quickly and so successfully. Moody explains in detail the mechanisms behind their success — adaption of tech, bold diplomacy, and a cohesive national spirit.

What is the mindset behind this success? The author permeates the book with discussions of how the countries’ willingness to endure temporary hardships, constant urgency, and forward thinking facilitated their growth. Moody draws on extensive interviews with past and present political figures to demonstrate how the elites of Baltic countries were influenced by the looming threat of Russia to rapidly implement widespread and future-facing reforms. The author readily demonstrates the results — Estonia has produced more Unicorns relative to its population than any other nation (Bolt, Skype, and Wise).

How to prevent war: Moody probes European military capabilities and the likelihood of a Russian invasion of the Baltic states. Although discussions of military operations are largely speculative, the author drives home the mantra that “the best way to prevent a war is to be unmistakably capable of winning one.” But do not mistake the book as a dry tome of history and policy — it’s rich with stories, interviews, and mythology. It’s for anyone who appreciates a spotlight being given to a greatly undervalued region.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find Baltic: The Future of Europe on Amazon as an ebook.

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