Annual Conference on Russia 2019 Summary

In 2019, the Baltic Defence College hosted its annual conference focused on a pivotal theme: “Western Responses to Non-linear Challenges from Russia.”

This iteration of the conference served as a vital international forum for discussing the Euro-Atlantic community’s policy responses to revisionism and asymmetric threats. By alternating its biennial focus towards strategic countermeasures, the event provided a comprehensive analysis of how NATO and the EU perceive and react to Russian influence on both functional and geographical scales.

The programme featured high-level panels addressing information warfare, Russian propaganda, and the evolving patterns of naval pressure. Key discussions also highlighted the importance of building capacity and resilience in Ukraine, Belarus, and Georgia, while evaluating NATO’s force posture in the wake of the Brussels Summit.

Attracting over 300 experts and representatives from 24 diplomatic missions—including the US, Germany, and Australia—the conference continues to foster a diverse and multinational dialogue. It remains a cornerstone event for policymakers and military professionals seeking a unified approach to modern geostrategic challenges.

Programme 2019

Thursday, 7 March
12:00–12:20
Opening and Welcome Address
MG Andis Dilāns, Commandant of the Baltic Defence College
12:20–12:45
Opening Address
Mr Raimundas Karoblis, Minister of National Defence of Lithuania
12:45–13:15
Keynote Speech
H.E. Mr Matthew Bryza
13:15–14:15
Keynote Panel: NATO at 70: Deterring Russia in an era of Non-Linear Threats
H.E. Amb. Vygaudas Ušackas, Mr Jānis Kažociņš
Moderated by H.E. Mr Matthew Bryza
14:45–16:15
Parallel Sessions (A)
A1: Info warfare and Western responses to Russian Propaganda and Disinformation
Prof. Andrey Makarychev, Mr Keir Giles, Mr Brian Whitmore, H.E. Ilgvars Kļava. Moderated by Mr Mark Voyger
A2: Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia: building capacity and resilience
Mr Shota Gvineria, Mr Arseny Sivitsky, COL Yurii Punda, Mr Glen Howard. Moderated by Dr Viljar Veebel
16:45–18:15
Student and Alumni Panel: The Baltic states addressing the Russia challenge
Mr Valdis Otzulis, MAJ Uku Arold, Mr Paulius Koroliovas, Ms Ingrid Mühling
Moderated by Mr Jevgēnijs Rjaščenko
20:30–22:00
Night-owl Session
“NATO’s force posture after the Brussels Summit: a suitable response to the Russia challenge?”
GEN (ret) Knud Bartels, LTG (ret) Ben Hodges, LTG (ret) Heinrich Brauss
Moderated by COL (ret.) Dr hab. Zdzislaw Sliwa
Friday, 8 March
08:30–10:00
Plenary Session: A new “containment”? The roles of NATO and the EU in responding to Russia
Dr Graeme Herd, H.E Baron Thierry de Gruben, Dr Andras Racz
Moderated by Dr Lukáš Dyčka
10:30–12:00
Parallel Sessions (B)
B1: Perspectives from the south-eastern flank
Mr Daniel Mitov, Mr Veiko Spolītis, MG Vasile Toader. Moderated by Dr Clirim Toci
B2: Nordic responses to Russia: Deterrence vs. Nonalignment?
Ms Anna Wieslander, Mr Tommi Koivula, Prof. Markku Kivinen. Moderated by CDRE (ret.) Hans Helseth
B3: Responding to Russia’s pattern of naval pressure
Ms Joanna Hosa, Mr Andrew Wilson, Mr James Sherr. Moderated by CAPT (ret.) William Combes
12:30–14:00
Concluding Panel: NATO at the Forefront of a Unified Western Response
GEN (ret) Gordon Davis, Mr Edward Lucas, Mr Michael Kofman, Dr Janusz Bugajski
Moderated by COL Ilmar Tamm