President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, chaired the first “National Resilience Committee Meeting” today (26th). American scholar Marta Kepe stated that Baltic countries have emphasized social resilience by avoiding causing public panic and considering Russia’s reaction. Decentralized approaches are not only meant to counter conventional military attacks but also to prepare for hybrid threats.
The Presidential Office of the Republic of China convened the first National Resilience Committee meeting this afternoon, presided over by President Lai Ching-te, focusing on five main areas: “Civilian Training and Utilization”, “Strategic Material Organization and Vital Supply Distribution”, “Energy and Key Infrastructure Maintenance”, “Social Welfare, Healthcare, and Shelter Facilities Preparation”, and “Information, Transportation, and Financial Network Security”.
According to reports from the Central News Agency, the first National Resilience Committee meeting in Taiwan focused on civilian training and strategic material organization. Marta Kepe, a scholar from the Rand Corporation, discussed how Latvia in the Baltic region grappled with promoting civil defense amid political polarization.
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia (referred to as the Baltic countries) share borders with Russia and have a history of occupation by the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, followed by a return to Soviet rule before gaining independence in 1991. Kepe highlighted Latvia’s discussions on promoting social resilience in recent years, emphasizing the importance of drawing from historical experiences to reinforce civil defense preparedness.
The motivation for civil defense in the Baltic countries stems not only from observing the situation in Ukraine but also from facing ongoing hybrid threats from Russia post-independence, including cyber attacks, economic tools, and the weaponization of migrants. Kepe emphasized that the Baltic countries prioritize building resilience for civil defense, extending from individuals to private enterprises, local governments, and the central government.
Education, information sharing, and ensuring public understanding of civil defense concepts are essential elements in promoting resilience. Kepe underlined the importance of fostering societal unity across ethnic and gender divides, particularly in preparing for both conventional military attacks and hybrid threats.
Building resilience in energy networks is currently one of the focal points in civil defense efforts. Kepe pointed out the unique collaboration between public and private sectors in promoting civil defense in Ukraine, where a strong civil society plays a crucial role in shaping legislative decisions.
The interconnectedness among Ukraine’s civil society, businesses, and government, especially amidst conflict, underscores the necessity for cooperation in driving efficiency even in peacetime initiatives that may have lower priority levels. The symbiotic relationship between private enterprises and the government in Ukraine promotes innovation and reconstruction efforts.
Local governments in the Baltic countries initially showed reluctance in assuming responsibilities for resilience building and civil defense. However, Kepe noted that there is growing determination at all levels to prioritize civil defense, with plans emphasizing decentralization to ensure swift and effective responses coordinated by local authorities who understand the unique circumstances and resource allocation in their jurisdictions.
Marta Kepe, who holds a Master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University, has served in the Latvian Ministry of Defense and NATO advisory groups in Kosovo. Her research at the Rand Corporation focuses on integrating military and civilian resources to enhance resilience during military crises, as well as studying the resilience of the Baltic countries and Ukraine against adversities.