Comprehensive defence in Latvia – rebranding state defence and call for society’s involvement
Volume 6, Issue 2 (2020), pp. 31–45
Pub. online: 4 December 2020
Type: Research Article
Open Access
Received
29 October 2020
29 October 2020
Accepted
29 October 2020
29 October 2020
Published
4 December 2020
4 December 2020
Abstract
This article explores how comprehensive defence has been introduced in Latvia, and focuses on society’s involvement and tasks in the state defence. This approach envisages a significant change in society’s relationship with the armed forces and state defence. Differently from many other countries, Latvia maintains its system without introducing conscription and instead puts efforts towards youth education in defence. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence involves different society groups and NGOs in defining their role in state defence. This article also discusses the concepts of resistance and non-collaboration as part of comprehensive defence.