In today’s Expert Series episode, Toms Rostoks, Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Research at the National Defence Academy of Latvia, discusses Latvia’s evolving approach to national defence in the face of Russian aggression.

The 2014 Russian invasion of Crimea was a turning point for Latvia’s national defence strategy. With the understanding that Russian aggression towards Europe would only continue to intensify in the years to come, Latvia adopted a total defence strategy, integrating military and civilian preparedness with increasing defence spending for a whole-of-society approach. Rostoks explores how this model, developed on NATO’s most vulnerable front, is shaping the Baltic region’s deterrence posture—and why other NATO members, including Canada, must take note.

The episode also explores how Latvian and Baltic strategies intersect with NATO’s forward presence, the role of U.S. and European allies, and the challenges of sustaining public support in the face of prolonged tension. As Latvia seeks to deepen Baltic ties with other NATO allies, today’s conversation offers concrete insights into how Canada can assist and support their fight on NATO’s frontline.

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