Authored by: Andris Banka, Kaspars Zalāns
Abstract:
Facing a volatile external environment, the Latvian government reintroduced conscription in 2023. Shortly thereafter, some within Latvian political and military elites recommended extending conscription to include women from 2028. Andris Banka and Kaspars Zalāns assess Latvia’s societal willingness and ability to follow in the footsteps of its Nordic neighbours and institute a gender-neutral conscription system. They argue that the country currently faces notable practical and ideational obstacles in implementing this military service system. However, if set as a long-term goal, the state will create a pathway for gradually shifting societal mindset on this issue.