Defensive lawfare and deterrence: Analysis of Latvia’s approach to legal bases in the context of hybrid warfare (2014-2022)
Journal Title: Security and Defence Quarterly - Year 2023, Vol 42, Issue 2
Abstract
Following the ‘hybrid form’ of Russian aggression in Ukraine that emerged in 2014, the period after February 24th, 2022 is referred to as the ‘new reality’. Hence, the question that needs to be addressed is how to deter and prevent Russian aggression of this kind. The national legal framework against the aggressor is a part of the deterrence policy and can be construed as defensive lawfare. Focusing on Latvia, the aim of the paper is to analyse defensive lawfare and deterrence in the context of hybrid warfare. The following research question has been identified: What is Latvia’s approach to establishing defensive lawfare in terms of hybrid warfare? For the empirical analysis, the chronological framework has been set from 2014 to 2022. To complete the empirical analysis of the present paper, both qualitative and quantitative research has been implemented comprising document analysis and semi-structured interviews, as well as content analysis, respectively. The improvement of a regulatory base and the development of deterrence, whilst using regulatory acts, is an element of deterrence and a way to act legally. The law can be used as a weapon. Lawfare, a concept with three definitions, has two forms: defensive a nd offensive. Latvia’s legal base includes a regulation to overcome hybrid threats and to implement a broad-spectrum of defence measures. Latvia’s regulatory framework is designed for defence purposes, whilst also being a way of promoting deterrence. Decision makers must be able to manoeuvre with the powers assigned to them.
Authors and Affiliations
Valerijs Bodnieks
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP718611
- DOI https://doi.org/10.35467/sdq/163435
- Views 29
- Downloads 0
A concept approach to use of the EU-SENSE system in exercises based on the Kolb's learning cycle
The aim of the article is to present a conceptual approach to the use of the EU-SENSE system in exercises based on Kolb’s learning cycle. The methodology of the research conducted in 2018–2021 was based on an analysis of...
Effectiveness of training: The conceptual framework and methodological strategy of a longitudinal study in the Portuguese armed forces
Considering that this research is still ongoing, this paper focuses on the presentation of the conceptual framework and its interconnection with the methodological strategy for the empirical study that aims to study the...
The Luftwaffe's campaigns in Poland and the west 1939-1940: A case study of handling innovation in wartime
Although the Luftwaffe won a signal victory in the Polish campaign in September 1939, the campaign also exposed many serious flaws in the doctrine, tactics, equipment and organization of the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe used...
Review of the book edited by Delphine Deschaux-Dutard (2021) Research Methods in Defence Studies. A Multidisciplinary Overview. New York, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 230, ISBN: 978-0-367-18785-9
This article is review of the book edited by Delphine Deschaux-Dutard (2021) Research Methods in Defence Studies. A Multidisciplinary Overview. New York, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 230, ISBN: 978-0-367-18785-9
The role of social media in emergency management during the 2019 flood in Poland
The aim of this article is to discuss the role of social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter, during the floods that took place in Poland in May 2019. The following research questions guided the study: (1) How is socia...