CIVIC EDUCATION AS A COUNTERMEASURE TO HYBRID THREATS: THE CASE OF LATVIA

Abstract

Hybrid threats encompass the combined use of non-military and military techniques to achieve political and military objectives. Russia employs these techniques not only to cultivate the perception of invincibility in its military power as part of psychological warfare but also to discredit Latvia's statehood and democratic institutions and destabilize the domestic political situation. Civic education stands out as a key tool to enhance society's resilience against hybrid threats. Its role includes promoting knowledge, skills, and civic virtues, enabling citizens to defend their democratic states both cognitively and militarily. This paper aims to address the research question: To what extent does Latvia's civic education contribute to strengthening society's resilience to hybrid threats? The research employs in- depth interviews with Latvia's civic education teachers and youth (conducted in November 2023 -- June 2024), along with an analysis of the civic education curriculum. The focus of data gathering and analysis is to comprehend how the youth forms an understanding of Latvia's nation-building and democratic foundations, as well as their civic duty to defend the country.