📍 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.

In this episode, we will delve into an exclusive analysis of the strategic partnership between China and Russia, exploring its potential impact on global security and the United States' perspective on these dynamic relations. Sharing their expert insights will be Alexander Gabuev, Director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, and Christopher Robinson, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia. The discussion will be moderated by Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, political scientist and Head of the Asia Program 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, 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 piedāvājam ekskluzīvu analīzi par Ķīnas un Krievijas stratēģisko partnerību, tās ietekmi uz globālo drošības situāciju un Amerikas Savienoto Valstu skatījumu uz šīm dinamiskajām attiecībām. Ar unikālām atziņām dalās Aleksandrs Gabujevs, "Carnegie" Krievijas-Eirāzijas centra direktors, un Kristofers Robinsons, ASV vēstnieks Latvijā, savukārt sarunu vada Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūta Āzijas programmas vadītāja un politoloģe. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, 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.

This episode explores the critical dimensions of one of the most significant conflicts in recent history. Moderated by Mr. Imants Lieģis, Head of the Security Programme at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs, and featuring Mr. Edward Lucas, Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), this discussion delves into the strategic and political aspects of the war. From the military perspectives on the battlefield to the far-reaching impacts on European security architecture and global power balances, this dialogue offers a comprehensive analysis of the stakes involved. 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, 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.

Šī epizode pievēršas vienam no mūsdienu nozīmīgākajiem konfliktiem un kara daudzšķautņainajām dimensijām. Diskusijā piedalās Edvards Lūkass, Eiropas Politikas analīzes centra (CEPA) vecākais padomnieks, un to vada Imants Lieģis, Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūta Drošības programmas vadītājs. Saruna izgaismo stratēģiskos un politiskos kara aspektus – sākot no situācijas kaujas laukā līdz tālejošām sekām Eiropas drošības arhitektūrā un globālā varas līdzsvara izaicinājumiem. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, 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.

With information more accessible than ever, the media landscape has evolved into a battlefield for shaping perceptions and exerting influence. With high-stakes elections and ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the role of media is more critical than ever. Experts will examine the diverse narratives emerging in today's media, exploring how they are constructed and their impact on public opinion, policy decisions, and international relations. Speakers: Solvita Denisa-Liepniece, Assistant Professor at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences; Rikard Jozwiak, Europe Editor for RFE/RL in Prague. Moderator: Martins Daugulis, Research and Development Director at the Analytics and Advocacy Group "PowerHouse Latvia" and Assistant Professor at Riga Stradiņš University.  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, 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.

Tā kā mūsdienās informācija ir pieejamāka nekā jebkad agrāk, plašsaziņas līdzekļu vide ir kļuvusi par cīņas lauku, kurā tiek veidoti priekšstati un ietekme. Ņemot vērā ģeopolitiskos satricinājumus, plašsaziņas līdzekļu loma ir svarīgāka nekā jebkad agrāk. Šajā sarunā eksperti aplūkos dažādos naratīvus, kas novēroti mūsdienu plašsaziņas līdzekļos, pētot, kā tie tiek veidoti un kā tie ietekmē sabiedrisko domu, politiskos lēmumus un starptautiskās attiecības. Sarunā piedalās: Solvita Denisa-Liepniece, Vidzemes Augstskolas docente; Rikards Jozvjaks, Radio Brīvā Eiropa/Radio Brīvība, Prāgā Eiropas redaktors. Moderators: Mārtiņš Daugulis, Analītikas un risku vadības grupas "PowerHouse Latvia" pētniecības un attīstības direktors, Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes docents. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, 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.  

The next Riga Security Forum debate: "The U.S. and the Eastern Border of Western Civilization". How might the outcomes of the U.S. presidential election impact the security of the Baltic States? Join this insightful debate, where experts will explore potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, defense funding, and military presence—unpacking what these changes could mean for regional stability and security. Panelists: Reinhard Krumm, Director at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in the United States and Canada; Wojciech Lorenz, Head of the International Security Programme at the Polish Institute of International Affairs; Martins Vargulis, Lecturer at the Riga Stradins University and Director at the Analytics and Advocacy Group “PowerHouse Latvia”. 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, 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.

Jaunākā Rīgas Drošības foruma epizode: "ASV un Rietumu civilizācijas austrumu robeža". Kā ASV prezidenta vēlēšanu rezultāti varētu ietekmēt Baltijas valstu drošību? Sarunā eksperti apspriedīs iespējamos ASV ārpolitikas, aizsardzības finansējuma un militārās klātbūtnes pārmaiņu scenārijus, analizējot kādas sekas tie varētu atstāt uz mūsu reģionālo stabilitāti un drošību. Sarunas dalībnieki: Reinhards Krums, Frīdriha Eberta fonda reģionālā biroja ASV un Kanādā direktors; Vojčehs Lorencs, Polijas Ārpolitikas institūta Starptautiskās drošības programmas vadītājs; Mārtiņš Vargulis, Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes lektors un Analītikas un risku vadības grupas “PowerHouse Latvia” direktors. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, 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.

The second session of the Riga Security Forum podcast delves into NATO's evolving partnerships with its southern neighbors and explores the Alliance’s broader role in addressing global security challenges. This discussion focuses on NATO’s proactive engagement in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel, regions marked by complex security dynamics yet offering vital opportunities for collaboration. Through these partnerships, NATO seeks to promote stability, security, and economic prosperity, addressing common concerns such as terrorism, migration, and resilience in the face of new and traditional threats. Joining the discussion is Javier Colomina, the Acting Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, who brings in-depth insights into NATO's strategies, priorities, and long-term vision for its partnerships in these regions. Moderated by Māris Andžāns, Director of the Center for Geopolitical Studies Riga. 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, 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.

Rīgas Drošības foruma otrajā podkāstu sesijā tiek analizētas NATO attiecības ar tās dienvidu kaimiņiem un alianses pieaugošā loma globālo drošības izaicinājumu risināšanā. Diskusijas centrā ir NATO iesaiste Tuvajos Austrumos, Ziemeļāfrikā un Sahelas reģionos, kas ir sarežģītu drošības izaicinājumu centrā, bet reizē sniedz arī būtiskas sadarbības iespējas. Caur šīm partnerībām NATO cenšas veicināt stabilitāti, drošību un ekonomisko labklājību, risinot kopīgus izaicinājumus, tostarp terorisma draudus un migrāciju. Diskusijā piedalās Havjers Kolomina, NATO ģenerālsekretāra palīga pienākumu izpildītājs politisko lietu un drošības politikas jautājumos un īpašais pārstāvis dienvidu kaimiņvalstīs, kurš dalīsies padziļinātā skatījumā uz NATO stratēģijām, prioritātēm un ilgtermiņa redzējumu par organizācijas lomu šajos reģionos. Diskusiju vada Māris Andžāns, Ģeopolitikas pētījumu centra direktors. Projekts ir veiksmīgas sadarbības rezultāts starp Latvijas Ārpolitikas institūtu, Frīdriha-Eberta fondu Baltijā, 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.