"The book is more a description and analysis of the evolution of British, American and Russian policy towards the balance of power in eastern Europe between 1939 and 1945 ... . Piirimae's impeccably researched study makes it one of the most important recent contributions to the continuing debate on the origins of that conflict." (Geoffrey Warner, International Affairs, Vol. 91 (6), 2015) 'An innovative and important study that opens up a neglected corner of wartime Europe. Kaarel Piirimae has mined the archives to throw fresh light on relations between the Big Three allies and on the slide from World War to Cold War.' David Reynolds, Chair of the Faculty of History and Professor of International History, University of Cambridge, UK 'Piirimae's study is a major contribution to our understanding of the fate of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania during the Second World War. His research illuminates the dealings among the great powers that shaped the post-war international order.' - Andres Kasekamp, Professor of Baltic Politics, University of Tartu, Estonia