Advertise on podcast: Riga Security Forum 2025. Podcast sessions

📍This episode explores a central question: how has Russia’s destructive war in Ukraine fundamentally reshaped Europe’s security order, strategic assumptions, and political priorities? The discussion examines how the scale of military devastation, economic coercion, and societal targeting has forced European states to rethink deterrence, defence industrial capacity, and long-term relations with Russia. The discussion features Aliona Hlivco- Ukrainian-British political scientist; Founder & CEO of St. James's Foreign Policy Group and Juris Ulmanis- National guard; Volunteer in Ukraine; Author. Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders- Board Member, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, Senior Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.

📍This episode explores a central question: can Polish–Baltic cooperation in the defence industry move beyond political alignment toward a durable, strategically relevant partnership? The discussion examines how shared threat perceptions, accelerated defence spending, and urgent industrial needs are driving cooperation, while also assessing the practical limits posed by scale, regulation, and competition within Europe’s defence market. Guest: Malgorzata Darowska- EU Affairs Coordinator, WB Group. Moderator: Dr. Artis Pabriks, Chairman of the Board, MilTech; Director, Northern Europe Policy Centre.

📍This episode interrogates a central question: can the United States realistically continue acting as Europe’s primary security pacifier, or are growing domestic pressures and political uncertainties forcing a rethink of its long-standing role? The discussion explores how shifts in the U.S. political priorities, questions about sustained defence commitments, and ongoing debates over European burden-sharing are reshaping expectations on both sides of the Atlantic. Guest: Jason C. Moyer- Nonresident Fellow, Atlantic Council of the United States. Moderator:  Mārtiņš Vargulis - Director, PowerHouse Latvia; Lecturer, Riga Stradiņš University.

📍This episode interrogates a central question: will Europe be sufficiently prepared to address the security challenges facing the Baltic region before it is too late, or are structural delays creating vulnerabilities that may prove difficult to reverse? The discussion explores how European states interpret the military and hybrid threats posed by Russia, how they assess the effectiveness of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, and whether allies share a coherent understanding of required defence investments. Guest: Dr. Viljar Veebel- Expert of Baltic security, University of Tartu and European Council on Foreign Relations. Moderator: Uģis Lībietis- Head of the News Department, Latvijas Radio; Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.

📍This episode interrogates a central question: do Europe and the United States perceive contemporary security threats and global responsibilities in comparable ways, or are their strategic outlooks increasingly diverging? It further asks how both sides interpret challenges such as Russian aggression, China’s systemic rise, and emerging technological vulnerabilities, and what these differing assessments mean for defence planning. Finally, the discussion considers whether current debates on burden-sharing, European strategic autonomy, and NATO’s evolving mandate reflect converging expectations- or widening transatlantic asymmetries. Guests: Latika M. Burke: Journalist & Author covering geopolitics, national security, and defence; Writer-at-Large for The Nightly via The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC, and 2UE Radio; Dr. Sandis Šrāders: Senior Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs; Board Member, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation. Moderator: Sigita Struberga: Secretary General, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation.

📍 In this episode, we turn our attention to Ukraine. The experts examine Europe’s readiness to fully support Ukraine — politically, militarily, economically, and societally — as the war enters a protracted phase. We explore whether Europe’s defence structures, industrial capacities, and political will are equipped not only to continue providing assistance, but also to prepare for Ukraine’s long-term integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Guests: Amb. Juris Poikāns — Special Envoy for Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia; Elizabete Elīna Vizgunova-Vikmane — Associate Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs. Moderator: Sintija Broka-Kovalevska — Senior Researcher, PowerHouse Latvia; Head of the Middle East Research Program, Latvian Institute of International Affairs.

📍 In this episode, we turn our attention to Georgia and the broader South Caucasus region — a crossroads of geopolitics, democracy, and security. We explore the shifting political landscape of the South Caucasus — from democratic reforms and civic movements to external pressures from powerful neighbours and global actors. Through insightful analysis and regional perspectives, this episode examines how the idea of democracy continues to evolve in the South Caucasus — not as a finished project, but as an ongoing struggle for legitimacy, freedom, and identity. Guest: Nino Kalandadze, Executive Director of the Chavchanadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education. Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders, Senior Researcher, LIIA, Board Member, LATO.

In this episode, the experts unpack how the U.S.–China technological rivalry has evolved into one of the most defining challenges of our time- reshaping not only global innovation but also the very foundations of security cooperation. Starting with the president Donald Trump administration’s hardline stance on trade and technology, and restrictions on China's market—experts trace how these policies set the stage for a more confrontational tech relationship. Guest: Alena Kudzko, Executive Director of the GLOBSEC US Foundation. Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders, Senior Researcher, LIIA, Board Member, LATO.

In this episode, experts discuss the security situation in the region, focusing on the Baltic States' defence capabilities in international relations. The conversation features Prof. Dr. Julian Lindley French, Chairman of the Alpen Group. Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders, Senior Researcher at the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Member of the Board of LATO.

On December 13, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs hosted the Riga Security Forum 2024, an in-person event titled "Shaping the Future of Defense and Security." In the second high-level panel discussion, “Enhancing Supply Chain Security in the Defense Industry,” experts delved into the challenges and strategies for securing defense supply chains, with a special focus on Latvia's experiences. The discussion highlighted key topics such as Latvia's risk mitigation approaches in defense procurement, the effects of regional geopolitical tensions on supply chain stability, and initiatives to enhance collaboration between government entities, the military, and private sector stakeholders. Panelists: Mr. Aivars Puriņš – State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of Latvia. Mr. Mats Warstedt – Senior Vice President, Nordics, PATRIA Group. Mr. Kaspars Pollaks – Director, Defence Technology Service, LMT. Mr. Jānis Kažociņš – Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Geopolitical Studies Riga. Moderator: Ms. Anete Bērtule – Journalist, Latvian Television. 🎧 Explore engaging discussions at www.rigasecurityforum.liia.lv. The Riga Security Forum 2024 is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Baltic States, NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Embassy of the United States of America in Riga, Patria (military services and solutions provider), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Embassies of Poland, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Latvia. We are also proud to partner with the Riga Graduate School of Law. Our media partners for the forum are The Baltic Times, the Latvian unified news portal lsm.lv and TV4 Latvia.

On December 13, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs hosted the Riga Security Forum 2024 in-person event, titled "Shaping the Future of Defense and Security." The first panel discussion focused on “NATO at 75: Reflecting on Two Decades of Latvian Membership and Future Directions.” Experts provided an in-depth analysis of NATO's evolution over the past 75 years, with a particular emphasis on Latvia's experiences and contributions since joining in 2004. The discussion explored key milestones in NATO's history, the strategic importance of the Baltic region, and the impact of Latvia's membership on both the alliance and national security. Panelists: Mr. Imants Liegis – Minister’s Diplomatic Adviser, Ministry of Defence of Latvia; Head of the Security Programme, Latvian Institute of International Affairs. Mr. Petr Lunak – Deputy Head, Engagements Section, NATO Public Diplomacy Division. Dr. Adam Eberhardt – Deputy Director, Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw. Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders – Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs; Member of the Board, Latvian Transatlantic Organization (LATO) 🎧 Explore engaging discussions at www.rigasecurityforum.liia.lv. The Riga Security Forum 2024 is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Baltic States, NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Embassy of the United States of America in Riga, Patria (military services and solutions provider), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Embassies of Poland, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Latvia. We are also proud to partner with the Riga Graduate School of Law. Our media partners for the forum are The Baltic Times, the Latvian unified news portal lsm.lv and TV4 Latvia.

In this episode, experts discuss the authoritarian regime in Belarus, its impact on human rights, regional challenges, and global security. Guests: Anaïs Marin, Associate Fellow at Chatham House and Former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Belarus (2018–2024), and Einars Semanis, Former Ambassador of Latvia to Belarus. Moderator: Beāte Livdanska, Researcher at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs. The Riga Security Forum 2024 is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Baltic States, NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Embassy of the United States of America in Riga, Patria (military services and solutions provider), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Embassies of Poland, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Latvia. We are also proud to partner with the Riga Graduate School of Law. Our media partners for the forum are The Baltic Times, the Latvian unified news portal lsm.lv and TV4 Latvia.

Šajā epizodē eksperti apspriež Baltkrievijas autoritārā režīma ietekmi uz cilvēktiesībām, reģionālajiem izaicinājumiem un starptautisko drošību. Viesi: Anaīsa Marina, “Chatham House” asociētā pētniece un bijusī ANO īpašā ziņotāja cilvēktiesību jautājumos Baltkrievijā (2018–2024), un Einars Semanis, bijušais Latvijas Republikas vēstnieks Baltkrievijā. Moderatore: Beāte Livdanska, Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūta pētniece. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, NATO Publiskās Diplomātijas nodaļu, Amerikas Savienoto Valstu vēstniecību Rīgā, militārās jomas pakalpojumu un risinājumu sniedzēju “Patria”, Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministriju kā arī Polijas, Kanādas, Spānijas un Lielbritānijas vēstniecībām Latvijā, un Rīgas Juridisko augstskolu. Projekta informatīvie sadarbības partneri - “The Baltic Times”, Latvijas vienotais ziņu portāls lsm.lv, un TV4 Latvija.

Russian disinformation campaigns are constantly evolving, targeting democracies worldwide with tailored narratives designed to exploit divisions, manipulate public opinion, and erode trust in institutions. Join Marcus Kolga, Founder and Director of "DisinfoWatch"; Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier and CDA institutes, and Martins Hirss, PhD in politics and expert in disinformation, as they delve into the strategies and impacts of Russian disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic. The Riga Security Forum 2024 is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Baltic States, NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Embassy of the United States of America in Riga, Patria (military services and solutions provider), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Embassies of Poland, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Latvia. We are also proud to partner with the Riga Graduate School of Law. Our media partners for the forum are The Baltic Times, the Latvian unified news portal lsm.lv and TV4 Latvia.

Krievijas dezinformācijas kampaņas turpina attīstīties, mērķējot demokrātijas visā pasaulē ar pielāgotiem naratīviem, kas veidoti, lai sašķeltu sabiedrību, manipulētu ar sabiedrisko domu un grautu uzticību institūcijām. Pievienojies Markusam Kolgam, "DisinfoWatch" dibinātājam un direktoram, kā arī vecākajam pētniekam Makdonalda – Lorjē un CDA institūtos Kanādā, un Mārtiņam Hiršam, politikas zinātņu doktoram un dezinformācijas ekspertam, kuri kopīgi analizē Krievijas dezinformācijas stratēģijas un ietekmi abās Atlantijas okeāna pusēs. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, NATO Publiskās Diplomātijas nodaļu, Amerikas Savienoto Valstu vēstniecību Rīgā, militārās jomas pakalpojumu un risinājumu sniedzēju “Patria”, Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu ministriju kā arī Polijas, Kanādas, Spānijas un Lielbritānijas vēstniecībām Latvijā, un Rīgas Juridisko augstskolu. Projekta informatīvie sadarbības partneri - “The Baltic Times”, Latvijas vienotais ziņu portāls lsm.lv, un TV4 Latvija.