Academic CentreSummer school “Navigating Security in the Baltic States: The West's Stance on Its Borderlands”
Period: 22 July 2024 - 2 August 2024 ( 2 weeks )
Form: on-site course
Course location: Riga, Latvia
Organizing institution: University of Latvia
Language of instruction: English
Level: Bachelor/Master
Target audience: open to all students on the level of BA and MA. The programme is designed to familiarize the building blocks of hard and soft security dilemmas. The course focuses on main key trends in security dilemmas.
Credits: 6.0 ECTS credits
Course fee: €750.00*
*Course fee includes lectures, course materials, some cultural activities
Housing fee: From 350 EUR (the approx. price for 14 days in the city)
Application deadline: 01 June, 2024
About the course
The summer school invites students to delve into the intricate security landscape of the Baltic States. This program goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering a comprehensive analysis of security, ranging from the robust realms of hard security to the nuanced aspects of soft security. It empowers to explore security dilemmas, policy nuances, and the ever-evolving relationships that shape the Baltic States' strategic position on the borderlands of the West.
Participants will engage in a thorough exploration of the myriad dilemmas faced by the Baltic States, gaining insights into the multifaceted challenges that shape their security. Our expert-led sessions, which will consist of lectures, seminars, simulations and field trips, will provide in-depth analyses of the contemporary security situation, addressing both hard and soft security dynamics, resilience and strategic communications.
The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of policy solutions tailored to the unique security concerns of the Baltic region. From examining NATO and EU presence to delving into the intricacies of diplomatic relations with Russia and other key actors in the region, participants will gain a holistic perspective on the geopolitical dynamics at play. This summer school offers a unique opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals, scholars, and fellow participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment in a modern study environment.
What you will learn: basic knowledge of hard and soft security dilemmas concepts and how small countries can deter big neighbors. Students will also improve their knowledge of countering disinformation, propaganda, and fake news.
Target group: The summer school is open to all students at the BA and MA levels.The program is designed to familiarize participants with the political realities and security dynamics of the Baltic States, encompassing a comprehensive understanding of security in its extended interpretation- starting from hard up to soft security dimensions.
Study load includes self-study, lectures, seminars, and study field trips. All events will be conducted on-site, provided that the COVID-19 pandemic does not impact them.
Self-study: For participants who applying for Summer School (UL Track) will be sent a description of the task, which will have to be prepared before arriving in Riga
Students will be able to successfully complete the course and obtain 6 ECTS through submitting a paper within a month after the course ending.
This course is also part of a joint programme with the Utrecht University (The Netherlands). Students are able to join one or both of the joint summer programmes and earn 10 ECTS for the track (recommended combination: European Encounters: Diversity and Integration from West to East - Track
Download the day-to-day programme (coming soon)
Download the Syllabus
Contact person for more information:
Aleksandra Kjakste
aleksandra.kjakste@lu.lv
+371 67034712
Mobility Division,
University of Latvia