Latvia enhances national defense across society due to Russian aggression, focusing on readiness, military build-up, and countering disinformation.
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Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, national security has become a central focus in Latvia, prompting the nation to involve all aspects of society in its defense due to fears of future aggression. The impact of the war has led to a deep societal shift, moving beyond increased military spending into daily life. Latvia is emphasizing its own readiness, despite NATO’s Article 5 guarantee, by increasing defense spending, reintroducing conscription, and launching cultural campaigns to make defense a collective responsibility. The strategy promotes comprehensive national defense, requiring all sectors, including youth through the Latvian Youth Guard, to be prepared. While the immediate military threat is assessed as manageable, the more pressing danger is disinformation, which is considered an inseparable part of military effectiveness. The government has taken steps to counter propaganda, such as banning Russian state television, but cybersecurity remains a major challenge. Citizens are increasingly aware of the need for preparedness, with many developing personal evacuation plans, reflecting a heightened sense of vulnerability along the Russian border.
