organise military training near the Latvian border.
The Russian Federation carries out influence measures also against Latvia, thus elements of
so-called hybrid threat can be identified also in Latvia. A complex and long-term action must be
carried out in order to reduce and prevent these elements. The ever growing confrontation
between the Russian Federation and the West, aggressive demonstration of military capacity, and
increasing of the capacity in the strategic direction of the West cause tension and uncertainty.
Additionally, informative propaganda disorientates the society and decision making. These risk
factors require to increase the national security measures in the Republic of Latvia and Baltic
region.
Significant threats to Europe come from the instability in the Middle East region. These threat
sources are linked to destabilisation of separate countries in the region, increase of the number of
refugees and asylum seekers, possible trade of weapons of mass destruction, radicalisation of the
society of these countries, and increasing threats of terrorism.
Threats to the national security caused by international terrorism and its consequences have
increased. In recent years, terrorism has developed into a complex and extensive issue that not
only challenges the safety and stability of countries, but also is directed against common basic
values. ISIL/Da'esh terrorist organisation is considered to cause very significant threat because,
due to its actions and methods, the organisation has become a driving force for other
organisations, thus establishing new tendencies in so-called global jihad. Significant threat has
arisen from so-called foreign fighter phenomenon that includes people with financial problems
or due to their ideology travelling to the conflict areas in order to fight for the terrorist
organisation. Radicalisation of these people and threats they create after returning to their origin
countries, including Europe, are long-term threats that have not been fully identified yet. This
requires cooperation on national and international level in order to prevent further expansion of
the phenomenon.
International economic processes significantly affect the international security environment,
specifically ever growing competition between countries, economic integration processes on
regional and international level, as well as mutual dependence on import, export, and production
process within the control context. The international economic crisis and fallowing economic
issues in EU and globally clearly identify the link between economic issues and other security
elements.