This study concerns itself with Estonia's security policy and decision to enter the Coalition of the Willing for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003. The thesis argues that historical experiences deeply influenced Estonia's security policy choices in the 1990s, which in turn played a key role in the country's decision to join the coalition for OIF. Different regional powers have conquered Estonia throughout its history and the brief period of independence between the two world wars was lost after the country attempted to pursue a policy of neutrality. The twentieth century witnessed both Soviet and German occupations. Based on historical experience and specific threat perception, all Estonian governments since the restoration of independence in 1991 have made efforts to integrate the country into Western economic and security structures, such as the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Estonia's decision to serve as a coalition partner during OIF in 2003 was a logical continuation of the country's security policy choices. The research demonstrates that this decision was based mainly on the pragmatic calculation that it would contribute to greater Estonian security through increased US-Estonia security ties, while also furthering the country's ongoing efforts to integrate into NATO structures.

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