The Development of Lithuania after 1990: Visions, Facts and Memories. About the International Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of Vytautas Landsbergis, the First Head of State of the Restored Independent Lithuania

Abstract

The collapse of communist regimes and the emergence of democracy in the former Soviet countries of Central and Eastern Europe have been one of the most consequential world events of the late 20th century that led to further changes in the world order. The years that have passed since this historic turning point are known in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (including Lithuania) as a time of transformation, during which governments, institutions and societies have changed. This period in the history of the Lithuanian state was reflected at the conference 'The Development of Lithuania after 1990: Visions, Facts and Memories,' organized by the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania on October 25, 2022. The conference was dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Vytautas Landsbergis, the Chairman of the Supreme Council-Reconstituent Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the first leader of the restored independent Lithuania, whose contribution to the processes of that period has been significant. The theme of the conference, the development of Lithuanian statehood from the restoration of independence to the present day, was discussed from the following perspectives: Lithuania from the perspective of its leaders; Lithuania and visions of its political future in the discussion by expatriates; various aspects of the post-Soviet transformation; on the road to civil society; and the transformations of memory and memory institutions. The presentations showed how Lithuanian citizens and the politicians representing them understand statehood and the process of state building, also, how Lithuania is seen in today’s global world.