Between continuation and adaptation: The Baltic states’ security policy and armed forces

Abstract:

The Baltic states responded to the annexation of Crimea and the increased Russian military activity in the Nordic and Baltic region by taking measures to strengthen their own military potential. At the same time, they intensified efforts to have the USA and NATO step up their military presence on their respective territories.

Changes concerning the security policies and the armed forces of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia included increases in defence spending, the number of soldiers and members of volunteer Territorial Defence Forces, speeding up modernisation programmes, and – in the case of Lithuania – the reintroduction of conscription.

For the future the Baltic states focused on developing those of their military capabilities directly related to the defence of the country’s territory. However, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia didn't stop participating in the foreign missions of NATO, which is the guarantor of their security. The extent to which these plans was implemented depended primarily on the economic and demographic situations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.