The Worldview Series: Baltic States
Partnership for a Secure America is excited to announce a new partnership with the Embassies of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania for 2017 titled The Worldview Series: Baltic States. This is the third installment of PSA’s program, The Worldview Series which aims to build deeper understanding of the important decisions American policy-makers face regarding U.S. foreign policy. The Embassies and PSA have designed this program to improve congressional insight on the Baltic States to better inform U.S. foreign policy decisions on Capitol Hill.
The series features off-the-record events with leading transatlantic experts from government, think tank, and business arenas. Focusing on a holistic understanding of the Baltic States’ histories, relations with the United States, and security situations, this program aims to build understanding of the important decisions American policy-makers face regarding US-Baltic relations.
The Embassies of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are educational participants in the Mutual Education and Cultural Exchange Act, authorized by the U.S. Department of State.
Why the U.S. Should Care
October 23rd – Ambassador Andris Teikmanis and Mr. Ilja Laurs discussed the diplomatic and business relationships that exist between the Baltic States and the U.S. and European Union. They also discussed the value of this strong relationship to U.S. national interests.
Featuring:
Ambassador Andris Teikmanis – Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United States of America
Mr. Ilja Laurs – Lithuanian Tech Entrepreneur
Security in the Region
October 30th – Mr. Tom Goffus, Mr. Lee Litzenberger and Ambassador John Heffern discussed the security environment in the Baltic States, Russia’s influence operations in the region, and NATO’s response. They considered how the U.S., NATO and the Baltic States can work together to ensure security in the region while deterring Russia and other potential foes.
Featuring:
Mr. Tom Goffus – Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO
Mr. Lee Litzenberger – Former Deputy Permanent Representative and Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Mission to NATO
Ambassador John Heffern – Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
History and Transformation of the Baltic States
November 6th – Ambassadors Rolandas Krišciūnas and Lauri Lepik along with Mr. Paul Goble discussed the history of the three Baltic States, their transition from Soviet occupation to full members of the European community, and the economic transformation each of the three states experienced.
Featuring:
Ambassador Rolandas Krišciūnas – Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America
Ambassador H.E. Lauri Lepik – Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United States of America
Mr. Paul Goble – Former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State
Delegation to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
November 18th-26th – Participants traveled to the Baltic States for a week-long delegation trip to gain an on-the-ground perspective at issues facing US-Baltic States relations. The delegation visited Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. The delegation met with government and defense officials, business representatives, U.S. forces stationed in Latvia, and others.
