Navigating Security in the Baltic States

About

The UL Summer School provides an in-depth exploration of the complex and evolving security dynamics that define the strategic position of the Baltic States within the broader geopolitical landscape. This interdisciplinary program bridges the domains of hard and soft security, equipping participants with a holistic understanding of the region’s security architecture, resilience mechanisms, and policy responses to multifaceted threats.

Designed to foster critical analysis and practical insight, the curriculum addresses the security dilemmas faced by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as NATO and EU member states on the periphery of Western alliances. Participants will engage with the interplay of hard security measures, including military deterrence, defense strategies, and the strategic presence of NATO forces, alongside soft security concerns such as societal resilience, hybrid threats, and strategic communication in the face of information warfare and disinformation campaigns.

The program incorporates a comprehensive blend of academic and experiential learning formats, including expert-led lectures, interactive seminars, policy simulations, and field trips to relevant sites and institutions. Through this multidimensional approach, participants will examine the geopolitical dynamics of the Baltic region, particularly in the context of relations with Russia and other key actors, the operationalization of NATO’s Article 5, and the EU’s role in fostering regional security and stability. The course also addresses emergent challenges such as cyber threats, the weaponization of information, and energy security.

By delving into the unique geopolitical and strategic realities of the Baltic States, participants will gain a robust theoretical and practical foundation for understanding contemporary security dynamics. The program emphasizes resilience-building and the development of tailored policy solutions to address the vulnerabilities and strategic imperatives of the region. Additionally, the inclusion of real-world case studies and policy scenarios allows participants to simulate decision-making processes in high-stakes environments.

The summer school cultivates a collaborative learning environment, enabling participants to engage with leading scholars, policy practitioners, and fellow attendees from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum grounded in cutting-edge research and practical expertise, the program provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the critical security issues shaping the Baltic States as the borderlands of the West.

This advanced academic initiative is particularly suited for students and professionals in international relations, political science, security studies, and regional studies, as well as policymakers and practitioners seeking specialized knowledge on Baltic security. Participants will emerge from the program with enhanced analytical capabilities, a nuanced understanding of the region's strategic challenges, and the tools to contribute to effective policy-making and strategic planning in an increasingly complex security environment.

Course leader

S. Struberga

Target group

The programme is designed for all students interested in the northern part of Europe focusing on the Baltic Sea Region. The course has a focus on social sciences, humanities and natural sciences.

Course aim

To learn basic knowledge of hard and soft security dilemmas concepts and how small countries can deter big neighbours. Students will also improve knowledge of countering disinformation, propaganda and fake news.

Fee info