The Baltic States have been shaped by numerous ethnic groups throughout their tumultuous history. Since gaining independence in 1991, there has been a problematic relationship, particularly with the former occupying power, Russia. Advocacy groups representing the Russian-speaking population have established themselves in all three countries. In Latvia, the minority-friendly Harmony Center emerged as the winner of the parliamentary elections for the first time in autumn 2011, while Russian parties in Estonia have seen only limited electoral success even at the municipal level. A systematic comparison of ethnic parties in the Baltic States is still lacking. This study fills that gap and examines the development of the minority situation in the Baltic States. It explores the conditions that influence the success of ethnic parties and why ethnic parties in Estonia develop differently.