Episode 8: "Prospects for Polish-Baltic Military Industry Cooperation"

The conversation features Malgorzata Darowska- EU Affairs Coordinator, WB Group. Moderator: Dr. Artis Pabriks, Chairman of the Board, MilTech; Director, Northern Europe Policy Centre.

Episode 7: "Can the U.S. Afford to Remain the Security Pacifier for Europe Much Longer?"

Episode 6: "Baltic Security: Is Europe Going To Be Ready Before It Is Too Late?"

The discussion features 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.

Episode 5: "Europe and the United States: Perceiving Threats and Responsibilities Equally?"

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 and Dr. Sandis Šrāders - Senior Researcher, Latvian Institute of International Affairs; Board Member, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation. Moderator: Sigita Struberga - Secretary General, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation.

Episode 4: "Is Europe Ready for Ukraine, and Can Ukraine Support Europe Much Longer?"

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. 

The conversation features Amb. Juris Poikāns- Special Envoy for Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia and 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.

Episode 3: "Georgia and South Caucasus: Democratic Shift?"

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. 

The conversation features Nino Kalandadze, Executive Director of the Chavchanadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education.
Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders, Senior Researcher at LIIA, Board Member atLATO.

Episode 2: "The U.S.-China Tech Rivalry Affecting Innovation and Security Cooperation"

#RSF2025 next episode is here. In this episode, experts explore how the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China has become one of the 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 tough stance on trade and technology, as well as restrictions on the Chinese market, experts trace how these policies are creating the basis for a more confrontational relationship in technology.

The conversation features Alena Kudzko, Executive Director of the GLOBSEC US Foundation.
Moderator: Dr. Sandis Šrāders, Senior Researcher at LIIA, Board Member at LATO.

Episode 1: "Transatlantic Turbulences: Lessons for the Baltic States?"

Riga Security Forum is back with a new season!

Riga Security Forum 2025 is here

New episode coming soon!

Riga Security Forum 2024 Podcast – New Episode Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars! On December 30, we’re releasing a powerful new episode! What happens when state power goes unchecked? How does authoritarianism in Belarus shape the global order?

Our expert panel includes:

7th #RSF2024 episode: Russian disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic

Russian disinformation campaigns are constantly evolving, targeting democracies worldwide with tailored narratives designed to exploit divisions, manipulate public opinion, and erode trust in institutions. While European nations often find themselves on the frontlines of this hybrid warfare, Canada has also emerged as a key target of Russian influence operations.

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.

Available on December 17! Don’t miss it!

Riga Security Forum 2024 in-person event: "Shaping the Future of Defense and Security"

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs invites you to the Riga Security Forum 2024, an in-person event: "Shaping the Future of Defense and Security" set to take place on December 11, 2024, at the AC Hotel Riga, Dzirnavu street 33, 11th floor. This premier gathering will bring together defense and security leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and collaborate on addressing today’s most pressing security challenges.

Working language - English.

Register now to secure your seat.

Agenda Overview

08:30 – Registration
Kickstart the day by connecting with participants and securing your seat for the sessions.

09:00 – Opening Session

• Opening Remarks by Dr. Kārlis Bukovskis, Director at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs.
• Welcome Note from Strategic Partner Ms. Beate Martin, Head of Regional Office for the Baltic States, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Keynote Speech:

• H.E. Baiba Braže, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
  

09:30 – 10:30: Panel Discussion: “NATO at 75: Reflecting on Two Decades of Latvian Membership and Future Directions”.
An exploration of NATO's legacy, Latvia’s contributions, and the alliance’s future in an increasingly complex global security environment.

11:00 – 12:30: Panel Discussion: “Enhancing Supply Chain Security in the Defense Industry”.
A forward-looking discussion on securing and strengthening supply chain resilience in the defense sector to address vulnerabilities and enhance strategic preparedness.

The Riga Security Forum 2024 provides a unique platform to engage with influential voices shaping defense and security policies both regionally and globally. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in forward-thinking discussions on NATO’s evolution, Latvia’s pivotal role within the alliance, and groundbreaking innovations in the defense industry.

Stay updated!

The 6th podcast episode will be available on December 3rd!

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.

This episode will offer a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of great power dynamics and their implications for the Baltic region. Don’t miss it – the conversation will go live on December 3rd!

Next episode available on November 26

The next #RSF2024 episode: "Russia's War against Ukraine: A Stalemate or Checkmate?" 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.

Join us as we unpack the evolving narratives, potential turning points, and paths forward in this defining geopolitical struggle.

The conversation will be available on November 26!

4th Episode: "Narrative Wars: The Power of Media in a Divided World"

Next #RSF2024 debate: "Narrative Wars: The Power of Media in a Divided World," available on November 20.

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".

Don't miss it!

3rd Episode: "The U.S. and the Eastern Border of Western Civilization"

Upcoming Riga Security Forum debate: "The U.S. and the Eastern Border of Western Civilization" – available on November 12. 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.

2nd Episode: "Global North vs Global South: NATO Partnerships and Beyond"

The second session of the Riga Security Forum podcast, titled "Global North vs Global South: NATO Partnerships and Beyond," 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. This session promises an engaging analysis of NATO’s role in the Global South and its efforts to build a more secure and interconnected world.

1st Episode: "The UN in a Fractured World: Relevance, Reform, and Resilience"

We are excited to launch the Riga Security Forum 2024 podcast series with this inaugural episode, available on October 29 in both video and audio formats. Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to join an engaging conversation on the pivotal role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges amid rising geopolitical tensions.

This episode will examine the UN's relevance in today’s world, the urgent need for institutional reforms, and how the organization can build resilience against emerging threats like climate change and cyber security. The discussion will also spotlight Latvia’s candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council (2026-2027), providing insights into how smaller nations can contribute to global diplomacy and stability. Our expert guests will share their perspectives on Latvia's strategies for conflict resolution, upholding international law, and promoting human rights in an increasingly complex global environment.

Participants:

• Andrejs Pildegovičs, Ambassador at Large, UNSC Task Force Director;
• Gunda Reire, Head of the Chancery of the President of Latvia and Director of the Center for International Studies.

Moderator: Uģis Lībietis, Head of the Latvian Radio News Service and Researcher at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion, premiering October 29!

The new season of the Riga Security Forum 2024

8th Riga Security Forum episode: "AI as a Disruptive Technology in the Security Considerations of Europe"

Join us for the upcoming episode of the Riga Security Forum: "AI as a Disruptive Technology in the Security Considerations of Europe".

• Dr. Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament & political scientist;

• Aldis Erglis, Chairman of Emergn Latvia;

• Julia Gifford, Co-founder of Truesix.