In this report, we examine the contributions that Baltic civilian populations could make to resistance against occupation. An extensive history of resistance to foreign occupation during the 20th century provides the Baltic states with distinct context and insights on the subject.

More recently, national governments in each of the Baltic states have dedicated time and resources to improving civilian resilience measures for civil emergencies. Although these efforts do not focus exclusively on scenarios involving occupation by a foreign aggressor, they serve to strengthen the capacity for civilian-based resistance should that scenario unfold. Our research and analysis was motivated by a recognition that Baltic civilians could make substantive contributions to a broader resistance campaign, as well as a desire to better understand the nature and effectiveness of those contributions.

by Anika Binnendijk and Marta Kepe