Journal on Baltic Security

Based on a review of over sixty publications, this article develops a research agenda for the study of contemporary total defence. Despite renewed policy relevance, the literature remains fragmented across national traditions, sectors, and levels of analysis. To address this gap, the article applies a multilevel-governance perspective and develops an integrated analytical framework for comparative research. It conceptualises total defence across four dimensions – domestic vertical governance, transnational linkages, cross-sectoral coordination, and horizontal state-society relations – thus providing a coherent basis for future scholarship while remaining open to diverse theoretical approaches.

This article examines vulnerabilities in Sweden’s logistics and infrastructure systems within the total defence framework and considers which lessons from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine may inform efforts to strengthen national resilience. Using qualitative analysis of policy documents, infrastructure disruptions, and Ukraine’s wartime experiences, the study conceptualises logistics as a strategic capability linking civilian infrastructure and military operations. The findings identify vulnerabilities in fragmented coordination structures, transport capacity constraints, and insufficient infrastructure repair capability. Ukraine’s experience highlights the importance of redundancy, decentralised repair capacity, and adaptive civil-military cooperation for maintaining logistical functionality under conditions of sustained disruption.

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.

After the establishment of the Schengen area, it was expected that its members would develop a common policy on external border management and protecting external borders. As the current refugee crisis has revealed, some countries have not met their obligations, which has led to serious difficulties in other