ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses both individual deterrent efforts by Latvia and collective deterrence by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the interaction between the two, identifying the challenges that derive from this kind of two-layered deterrence strategy. It provides a picture of the developments in Latvia's defence policy before the Ukrainian crises. The chapter examines development of the perception of Russia as a threat in political discourse and public attitudes. It analyses a number of practical national steps that Latvia has undertaken in order to provide credibility to the deterrence posture – investing in self-defence capabilities, meeting host nation support requirements, hosting a multinational battalion and others. The chapter identifies the challenges arising from Latvia's deterrence strategy that embrace the limitations of the NATO extended deterrence strategy: The land component of the rapid reaction forces is still too slow, and others. A credible deterrence posture from NATO is the combination of nuclear, and anti-missile weapons.
