Skip to content

Discussion on MWI Podcast Focuses on Strengthening NATO's Baltic Defense Line

Three Baltic nations – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – find themselves acutely aware of the looming threat from Russia, as global attention is focused on the conflict in Ukraine. Their status as relatively small states, nestled close to Russia's borders, and situated in Russia's northeast,...

Discussion in MWI Podcast: Reinforcing the Defense of NATO's Baltic Border
Discussion in MWI Podcast: Reinforcing the Defense of NATO's Baltic Border

Discussion on MWI Podcast Focuses on Strengthening NATO's Baltic Defense Line

The latest episode of the MWI Podcast, titled "Repel, Don't Expel: Strengthening NATO's Defense and Deterrence in the Baltic States," is now available for listeners. This insightful conversation, hosted by John Amble, features Mark Cancian, a retired Marine officer and senior adviser with the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The episode addresses the urgent need to scale up NATO's presence in the Baltics, a region that faces a direct and real threat from Russian military aggression due to its small size, proximity to Russia, and position on the northeastern flank of NATO. The three Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are at the forefront of this potential conflict.

The discussion delves into various strategies to deter and defend against Russian aggression. One of the key strategies is enhancing military presence, with some analysts arguing that the current number of about 5,000 NATO forces in the region is insufficient for a full-scale defense. Other strategies include modernizing defense infrastructure, preparing for hybrid warfare, integrating air and missile defense, strengthening international cooperation, and implementing economic deterrence.

Mark Cancian, the episode's guest, is the author of a recently published report titled "Repel, Don't Expel: Strengthening NATO's Defense and Deterrence in the Baltic States." The conversation covers adapting force structure to make combined NATO forces ready and capable to the challenges they may face.

The MWI Podcast episode can be listened to below and is also available on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, and other favourite podcast apps. It can be found by searching for "MWI Podcast" on various podcast platforms. The episode is accompanied by an image credit: Spc. Charles Leitner, US Army.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast and provide ratings or leave reviews if they are enjoying the podcast. The MWI Podcast episode is shareable on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, email, and print media, making it easy for everyone to stay informed about this critical issue.

  1. The conversation on the MWI Podcast emphasizes the importance of increasing NATO's military presence in the Baltic States, a region susceptible to Russian military aggression due to its size, proximity, and strategic location.
  2. One of the strategies discussed for deterring and defending against Russian aggression includes enhancing military presence, with some analysts suggesting that the current number of NATO forces may be insufficient for a full-scale defense.
  3. Mark Cancian, the author of a recent report on strengthening NATO's defense in the Baltic States, proposes adapting force structure to ensure combined NATO forces are ready to handle diverse challenges on this front, a topic he discusses extensively in the MWI Podcast episode.

Read also:

    Latest