Around 50 members and guests joined the online meeting with Artis Pabriks, Minister of Defense of Latvia organized for members of the American and Norwegian Chambers of Commerce on topics related to the current and emerging geopolitical challenges and Latvia's readiness in facing them.

Minister spoke on strengthening international defense cooperation and security threats. He also touched upon main challenges including COVID, climate change, increased military presence of Russia in the Arctic and Eastern Ukraine, China’s rise and transatlantic relations – all have geopolitical implications on the future of NATO and each of its member countries.

Moderator: 

Mārtiņš Vargulis is a Researcher at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs. He holds an MA in International Relations and currently continues his PhD studies at the Riga Stradins University. In his academic career, he has focused on issues concerning Russia (particularly security, economy and soft power), the World Trade Organization, NATO and EU security related issues, as well as the European Neighbourhood. He is the author of numerous articles and the editor of several books. He is also a lecturer in the Riga Stradins University. In his long-standing professional career as a representative at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, he has been Head of Defence Policy and Strategy Section as well as Diplomat at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to NATO and EU.

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