When do we feel safe?

Security equations in Eastern Europe

In 2022, Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine once again disrupted the established order throughout Europe.


Central and Eastern European countries responded by strengthening their defense policies and reviewing their civil preparedness systems.


At the same time, the war in Ukraine has a direct and indirect impact on people’s lives in the region, ranging from issues of citizenship and migration to long-term social and psychological consequences.

  • Palaiko savo šalies narystę NATO

  • Pritaria didesnėms gynybos išlaidoms

  • Tiki demokratijos nauda savo šaliai

Kas yra saugumas?

In the current context, security is most often understood through the prism of institutions and military capabilities. However, security also encompasses social cohesion, political rights, and personal safety. It is shaped not only by state policy, but also by how people experience and perceive preparedness, responsibility, dependence, and vulnerability.

Tradicinis saugumas

gynyba; suverenitetas; sienos; kariuomenė

Socialinis saugumas

socialinė gerovė; įtrauktis; bendruomenė; socialinis teisingumas;

Ekonominis saugumas

finansinis stabilumas; prieiga prie išteklių; darbas; infrastruktūra

Politinis saugumas

demokratija; teisinė valstybė; pilietinės laisvės; skaidrumas

Žmogaus saugumas

sveikata; orumas; asmens saugumas; gyvenimo psichologinė gerovė; autonomija

Five NARA publications examine from different perspectives how the new security context is affecting people and societies in Central and Eastern Europe. They discuss the trauma of war captivity, criticism of militarization, gray areas of citizenship and identity, alternative paths of service, and future opportunities for those growing up in war.