For Estonia, such great powers have been mainly Germany and Russia, but also Sweden during its period of ascendancy in Europe. From the aspect of economic geography, Estonia's location on the Baltic Sea provides the country with a sea connection with many countries, in particular the Baltic Sea countries. Also, Estonia constitutes a part of the North Eastern coast of Europe, through which Northern Russia communicates with the rest of the world.
Ajaloo jooksul on nendeks olnud peamiselt Saksamaa ja Venemaa, ka Rootsi. Majandusgeograafilisest aspektist tähendab paiknemine Läänemere ääres võimalust suhelda meritsi paljude riikidega, eelkõige muidugi Läänemeremaadega. Nii kujutab Eesti üht lüli Kirde-Euroopa mererannas, mille kaudu Põhja-Venemaa suhtleb muu maailmaga.