Due to their challenging history, the people of Latvia have learned to remain resilient and true to themselves. In this article, we explore the factors that not only made Latvians hardy throughout history but also contributed to their resilience today.
As we approach the quarter mark of the 21st century, we can confidently say that so far, it has been a century of change. Climate, technology, and geopolitics have all undergone dramatic shifts in the first 25 years of the third millennium. Yet, even in these turbulent times, some phenomena resist change. One such phenomenon is the resilience of the Baltic peoples. Throughout history, Latvians have endured Russian, German, Polish, and Swedish rule, yet their identity has remained largely intact. Despite mass deportations during the Soviet occupation and tremendous population losses during both world wars, the Latvian sense of self has been repeatedly tested but never fully destroyed. Due to their challenging history, the people of Latvia have learned to remain resilient and true to themselves. In this article, we explore the factors that not only made Latvians hardy throughout history but also contributed to their resilience today.
With full-scale military conflict now less than 1,000 kilometers from Latvia, international attention has recently been directed at the readiness of this small Northern European state. However, it is essential to highlight the core attributes that make Latvians resilient: identity, sustainability, and vigilance.
Deep roots of national identity
Every state has specific identity-defining characteristics, but not all of these traits are equally recognized worldwide. Historically, small states have often been overlooked in discussions about unique national identities. In contrast, the identities of larger states are generally well-known. For instance, Germany is known for its industriousness, South Korea for its technological prowess, and the US for being the bastion of individuality.
The relative lack of global awareness about smaller states can be an advantage, especially in times of danger. This is one of the key factors that contribute to Latvia's resilience: it possesses a distinct Northern European reclusiveness. Historically, Latvians have lived in isolated homesteads, rarely surrounded by many neighbors. They tend to be reserved and do not seek the attention or recognition of others. But if you are hard to reach, you are harder to influence. This characteristic proved invaluable during Latvia's numerous occupations, as external forces could not completely break or oppress the Latvian spirit. The fact that traditional pagan beliefs, which predate Christianity’s arrival in Latvia, are still widely practiced today, is evidence of this.
Another defining trait of Latvians is their love for simplicity, which makes them less susceptible to material temptations. Though difficult to measure directly, this trait is reflected in Latvia’s relatively low levels of perceived corruption. Transparency International ranks Latvia 36th globally for corruption perception, ahead of many European countries such as Spain, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Italy.
Despite their ascetic nature and privacy preference, Latvian identity cannot be fully understood without considering their deep respect for tradition, particularly their pagan heritage. While various forms of Christianity have impacted Latvia over the centuries, many traditional values have remained intact. People continue to celebrate Christmas in a pagan manner, with rituals and superstitions, and most still mark the four solstices that signal the end of each season. Latvians’ reverence for tradition is exemplified by their participation in the national Song and Dance Festival, a UNESCO-recognized event. The last festival, with over 40,000 participants, accounted for about 2% of Latvia's entire population. A record-breaking 500,000 people attended the previous festival, with many from outside Latvia, demonstrating the festival's cultural significance.
Natural resources as the backbone of stability
Sustainability has become an increasingly prominent term in the 21st century, often invoked in discussions on how to approach nearly every aspect of life. However, for Latvians, sustainability is not a recent concept. Historically, they have lived off the land, utilizing the resources available to them. More than 52% of Latvia’s territory is covered by forests, which, combined with fertile farmlands, have provided a reliable source of sustenance. Despite globalization making supermarket shopping more common, traditional activities like mushroom and berry picking remain integral to Latvian culture. Mushrooms, in particular, are regarded as a national treasure, and foraging for them is seen as a sustainable practice.
Latvia’s natural abundance extends to its energy resources as well. While the Soviet occupation forced Latvia to rely on Russian fossil fuels, the country now has the potential to achieve energy independence. The numerous rivers in Latvia offer the possibility of expanding hydropower production, while wind energy has long been harnessed to generate electricity. Although solar energy is still underutilized, it is gaining traction. Furthermore, while some debate the sustainability of peat and wood as energy sources, their abundance in Latvia presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The focus on sustainability contributes to Latvia's resilience by ensuring that the country can withstand external economic and market disruptions. While Latvia is not immune to global crises, its ability to remain self-sufficient strengthens its statehood.
Resilience to foreign interference
However, perhaps the most significant factor contributing to their endurance is their vigilance—an ongoing state of alertness to potential threats. History has shown that various powers have sought to incorporate Latvia into their states and integrate Latvians into their peoples. This was especially evident during the Soviet occupation when mass deportations were used to weaken Latvian influence. The Soviet regime attempted to replace the local population with ethnic minorities, diluting the Latvian population to crush their spirit and facilitate assimilation. Yet, despite these efforts, Latvians remained resilient. They continued to celebrate traditional holidays, even when they were banned, and secretly sang their national anthem and kept the Latvian flag hidden, waiting for the day when they could raise it again.
Latvians’ vigilance has also been evident in their proactive efforts to prepare for future threats. After regaining independence in 1990, Latvia quickly prioritized membership in the EU and NATO, aligning itself with other democratic states. It took 14 years, but Latvia joined both alliances in 2004. With the rise of hybrid warfare, Latvia was one of the first countries to focus on countering disinformation in an organized manner. This effort was recognized by NATO, which established the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence in Riga. The Centre works to research disinformation, counter hybrid threats, and inform society about emerging risks.
In addition to these efforts, Latvia’s commitment to civil defense has been prioritized throughout its history. Despite abolishing conscription in 2006, the Latvian National Guard (Zemessardze) has been a voluntary military body since its founding in 1991. Today, it consists of around 10,000 volunteers who undergo military training to be prepared when called upon by the state. By 2027, this number is expected to increase to 12,000, despite the challenges of an aging and shrinking population. The reinstatement of conscription in 2023 further strengthens Latvia's readiness, as does the country's substantial military spending, currently at 3.5% of GDP, with plans to increase it to 4% in the coming years. In addition, Latvia has supported Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, sending nearly 1 billion euros in aid since 2014.
The resilience of Latvian society is undeniable. For nearly 35 years, Latvia has been a sovereign nation, free from Russian influence. While periodic interference from the East remains a concern, Latvia has made remarkable strides in economic and political development. When compared to other former Soviet states that have not pursued EU and NATO membership, Latvia’s progress is striking. The country’s identity, sustainability, and vigilance continue to ensure its resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
The views and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Warsaw.