Field Report Ep 12 - Spotlight on NATO on the Ballot: US and Latvia

Welcome to a new episode of the Field Report's Spotlight Series, brought to you by the students of the 2024 NATO Field School. The Spotlight Series will shine a light on key issues and threats in the landscape of security and defence through expert analysis and in-depth discussions. How have NATO, security, and defence topics impacted electoral campaigns and voters' decisions? In today's episode, Chloe Duguay, Matt Howell, Adam Ivanovic, and Santiago Palacios are joined by Dr Toms Rostoks and Dr Steve Saideman to discuss how security and defence issues can, and have, impacted electoral campaigns. First, Dr Rostoks gives an overview of the incorporation of security and defence issues in Latvian politics, from NATO membership when Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union, up to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Then, the team goes to Dr Saideman to discuss what's on all our minds, the upcoming US election. This episode was created during the 2024 NATO Field School by: Chloe Duguay, an international relations honours student at Mount Allison University. She is currently completing research on NATO's role in upholding climate security and is an executive member of the Young Diplomats of Canada. Adam Ivanovic, an International Studies student at Simon Fraser University. Matt Howell, a political science honours student at the Royal Military College. Santiago Palacios, a political studies honours student at Queens University, focussing on NATO, international affairs, and the Canadian Armed Forces. Our special guests are: Dr Toms Rostoks, an Associate Professor at the University of Latvia and the Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Research at the Latvian National Defence Academy. Dr Steve Saideman, Director the Canadian Defence and Security Network and co-host of the Battle Rhythm Podcast! With special thanks to our Spotlight Series producer, Morgan Cowley.