Navigating Security in the Baltic States

Description

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.

Day to Day Documents

C18 Summer School_2025_description.pdf

Target audience

This summer school is open to undergraduate (BA) and graduate (MA) students from diverse academic backgrounds. The program is designed to deepen participants' understanding of the political and security dynamics specific to the Baltic States, offering a comprehensive framework that spans the spectrum of security studies, from traditional military concerns to broader societal and informational dimensions.

Aim of the course

Participants will acquire foundational knowledge of key concepts in hard and soft security dilemmas, with a particular focus on how smaller states can effectively deter and navigate relations with larger, more powerful neighbors. The program will also enhance participants' understanding of contemporary challenges such as countering disinformation, propaganda, and the proliferation of fake news, equipping them with the analytical tools and strategies necessary to address these issues.

Study load

The study program includes a balanced mix of independent study, expert-led lectures, interactive seminars, and field trips to sites of strategic and political significance. All sessions are planned for on-site delivery, subject to public health considerations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This format ensures an immersive and dynamic learning experience, fostering critical engagement with the theoretical and practical dimensions of Baltic security.

Tags

• Baltic States
• European business
• European identities
• national identity
• security
• EU
• security dilemmas