Latvia and the United States: Bringing Friendship into the Next Centenary

The Latvian Institute of International Affairs is delighted to invite you to the presentation of the book: "Latvia and the United States: Bringing Friendship into the Next Centenary". The presentation will be held on December 13 at Pullman Hotel starting from 17:00 till 18:30.

The event is free of charge. Register here.

2022 marks 100 years since the United States recognised Latvia de jure and the two countries established diplomatic relations. Although the two countries have a special relationship, it has been fraught with challenges over the past 100 years, influenced by both external and internal national dynamics. Certain individuals as well as internal and external events have had a significant impact on the dynamics of Latvia-US relations. As this publication and the authors’ analyses demonstrate, the relationship has not been static – it reacts to international and domestic political developments, attempting to find common responses to the challenges the countries face together.

The publication “Latvia and the United States: Bringing Friendship into the Next Centenary” offers the perspectives of internationally renowned decisions makers and experts on certain areas in the context of Latvia-US bilateral relations. The publication highlights various areas: a) history and people, b) diplomacy and security, c) economics and energy. In each of the areas, the most important highlights in the context of the first centenary are examined, challenges and opportunities that are present in nowadays are offered, as well as potential perspectives in the context of the next centenary are illustrated.

Most of the issues addressed in the publication will be discussed during the public debate/presentation of the publication.

Panelists (as well as authors of the publication):

• Valdis Zatlers, Former President of the Republic of Latvia;
• Daniel Fried, American diplomat, served as assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs from 2005 to 2009 and United States ambassador to Poland from 1997 to 2000;
• Kārlis Streips, American-Latvian journalist;
• Anthony B. Kim, Research Fellow in Economic Freedom, Editor of the Index of Economic Freedom, and Manager of Global Engagement for the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom.

Moderator: Kārlis Bukovskis, Director at the LIIA and co-editor of the book.

Partners and supporters of the publication: