This Open Access book examines how Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have adjusted their security strategies in response to increasing geopolitical threats. Moving beyond traditional deterrence, these states have adopted a Total Defence approach as an inclusive strategy that unites the military and civilian sectors to bolster national resilience.

Drawing on insights from scholars and military leaders, the book examines how Total Defence is understood, communicated and implemented across the region. Through detailed case studies, it reveals the shared objectives and distinct national models that influence defence policy.

The book shows how cross-border cooperation and community-based defence efforts are creating a unified operational space in the Greater Baltic Region. Offering valuable lessons for countries facing similar security challenges, it also contributes to broader discussions on NATO’s evolving role in regional defence.

Viljar Veebel is a Lecturer in the Department of Political and Strategic Studies at the Baltic Defence College and at the Estonian School of Diplomacy. He also works as an Associate Researcher for the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). Dr. Veebel has been an active researcher and lecturer since 2004 after graduating with a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Tartu, Estonia. Since 2012, he holds a doctoral degree in political science (PhD) from the University of Tartu. In recent years, he has also been a guest editor for the Journal on Baltic Security.

Eden Elizabeth Armstrong is the Publications Editor at the Baltic Defence College, and she is one of the Editors-in-Chief at the Journal on Baltic Security. Eden holds an MSc from the University of Edinburgh, UK, and an MA from the University College London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies, UK.