Latvian Delegation Visits UNO to Discuss Deterrence, Defense

Delegates from Latvia visited the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) on Monday to discuss the Baltic nation’s defense, deterrence efforts, and collaboration with the United States.

Jānis Garisons, state secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Latvia, joined Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center for a panel discussion about the threats Latvia faces. Moderated by Chancellor Li, students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public were given the opportunity to hear from Garisons and ask questions about the nation’s defense.

Latvia is located in Northern Europe on the Baltic Sea, sharing borders with Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus, and importantly, Russia. Garisons spoke to defenses Latvia needs to maintain its democracy in terms of military strength, international partnerships, and technological defenses.

In his remarks, Garisons discussed developing that military component to increase attack readiness – both in terms of supply constraints and psychological readiness – and effectively coordinating a response. Readiness also includes security of supply, ensuring that critical supplies and services would not be cut off during times of conflict. It also includes protecting infrastructures like utilities and organizations like commercial banks.

“It is important because it provides a culture of readiness, and cultural readiness is an important part of resilience,” Garisons said. “When people are ready for the crisis of war, they would not be so vulnerable against any kind of aligned or asymmetrical fighting attacks.”

Defense and readiness stretch into the virtual sphere as protection against cyber and psychological threats becomes increasingly vital. The spread of misinformation on anything from COVID-19 to immigration has been an issue and a potential weakness that other countries have attempted to exploit.

In addition to its own readiness, Latvia leans on partnerships with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries, including the United States. A co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus, Bacon mentioned the Baltic Security Initiative which provides $135 million each year to improve deterrence capabilities in three countries – a geographic area that he said is among the most vulnerable in NATO.