Media, Digital Governance, and Security on NATO’s Frontier

The Baltic states have emerged as one of the most important regions in the world for understanding the role of information in modern security. Situated on NATO’s northeastern frontier and operating within a complex multilingual media landscape, the region has become a leading arena for studying information warfare, digital governance, media ecosystems, and the relationship between identity, language policy, and societal resilience in the face of hybrid threats. From strategic communication and cybersecurity to the influence of AI on public discourse, the Baltic information environment provides a unique setting for examining how communication, technology, and security intersect.

Based in Riga, the program allows you to explore the Baltic information environment through coursework, field engagement, and applied research. Combine a regional security course on media systems, digital governance, and information warfare with intensive Russian language study—an important tool for navigating the multilingual media landscape of the region. Site visits, guest discussions, and institutional engagement introduce students to journalists, policy experts, and organizations working at the intersection of media, technology, and security in the Baltic states.

What You Study

Information Warfare and Strategic Communication

Examine how states, media systems, and digital platforms shape narratives and influence public opinion.

Digital Governance and Cybersecurity

Explore how Baltic states manage digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging challenges related to AI and online information.

Media Ecosystems in a Multilingual Region

Analyze Russian-language media, regional information flows, and the role of journalism in democratic societies.

Identity, Language Policy, and Society

Study how language policy, historical memory, and Russian-Latvian identity shape politics, media consumption, and public discourse in the Baltic region.

Who This Program Is For

This program is ideal for students interested in the intersection of media, technology, and security in contemporary international affairs. It is particularly relevant for students studying international relations, political science, security studies, journalism, media studies, or related fields. Russian language courses are offered at multiple levels, including for beginners.

Program Details

REES 390 Information, Media, and Security in the Baltic Region

This course examines the role of information, media systems, and digital governance in the security environment of the Baltic region. Students explore how information warfare, strategic communication, media ecosystems, and emerging technologies influence politics and public discourse on NATO’s northeastern frontier. Particular attention is given to the multilingual media landscape of the Baltics, including Russian-language media and the relationship between language policy, identity, and societal resilience. Through case studies, media analysis, and discussions with regional practitioners, the course provides you with tools to analyze how information and communication shape contemporary security dynamics. As part of the course, students develop an individual research project culminating in a research article or academic paper. 4 credits

RUSS 102/201-202/301-302-303/401 Russian Language Study

Courses at multiple levels—from elementary to advanced—develop practical communication skills through small classes and interactive instruction. As you build listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities, you also gain insight into the multilingual cultural environment of the Baltic region, where Russian continues to play an important role in everyday communication and public life. 8-12 credits, depending on internship participation

Contact us for course syllabi.

Workshops and Excursion Program

The SRAS cultural program in Riga is designed to introduce you to the city and Latvia more broadly. Latvian language, identity, culture, and history are woven throughout the excursion program. Activities and excursions may include:

  • Jurmala (day trip)
  • Sigulda and Gauja National Park (weekend or day trip)
  • Maskavas Forštate (Moscow District) and the Jewish Ghetto
  • Walking tour of the art nouveau architectural works of Mikhail Eisenstein
  • Visit to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
  • Cooking masterclass
  • 3-day trip to Tallinn, Estonia

Partner School

Liden & Denz is a private language school founded in 1992. Its communicative approach combines practical language use with systematic study of grammar and vocabulary.

Transcripts and Credit Transfer

This program is hosted by Liden & Denz in cooperation with SRAS. The School of Record is Stetson University (Florida, USA). Credit transfer to your home institution is usually possible. A US School of Record means that your program is supported by and documented by an accredited US university, making credit transfer relatively routine.

Learn more about transcripts, credit transfer, and other academic issues.

Students may request an internship with a local organization as a way to extend their study of the Baltic region through practical experience. Potential placements include NGOs, small businesses, media organizations, and organizations working in communications, security, and related fields. Students in Baltic Security and the Information Environment receive priority for available placements in media, communications, and security organizations.

Internships may be completed for 2 or 4 academic credits or on a non-credit basis. Students completing an internship for credit have additional academic requirements and receive oversight from SRAS. Internship credits are deducted from the Russian language credits normally awarded for the program; the number of Russian language class hours does not change.

SRAS facilitates introductions to potential host organizations when a student’s background, skills, language abilities, and interests are a good match for an available placement. Internship placement is not guaranteed. Host organizations make all final placement decisions based on their needs and the student’s qualifications.

The default housing option is a student residence (similar to a dormitory), located approximately 35-40 minutes from classes. Rooms include a kitchenette (small fridge, microwave, sink, dinnerware/cutlery). Each floor has a full common kitchen and there is a single common laundry area.

Home stays are available for an additional cost (see budget sheets) and includes half board (breakfast and supper). Home stays are typically located 10–50 minutes from classes by public transport and vary in structure—some with families, others with single hosts, often older residents with extensive experience hosting international students.

Homestays are one of the most effective ways to develop your Russian outside the classroom. Through daily conversations, shared meals, and regular interaction, you will gain consistent exposure to natural speech, conversational styles, and cultural nuance. Hosts are welcoming, engaged, and accustomed to supporting students’ language development, offering both structure and flexibility in how much you participate in household life.

Students may also opt to arrange independent housing. You should check with your home (sending) institution to make sure they do not have any restrictions in this regard.

Housing options will be presented in detail upon acceptance.

Riga, Latvia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, combines medieval charm with a vibrant modern culture while occupying an important place in the political and communication landscape of Northern Europe. Shaped by centuries under the Russian Empire and Soviet rule, the city remains distinctly multilingual. Russian continues to be widely spoken in daily life and media alongside Latvian, creating a unique environment for observing how language, identity, and information intersect in public discourse.

At the same time, Riga reflects Latvia’s strong national traditions and the cultural resilience of a society that regained independence in 1991 after decades of Soviet rule. The city today is home to a growing number of regional institutions, policy centers, and media organizations engaged with questions of digital governance, strategic communication, and democratic resilience across the Baltic region.

Riga’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its art nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively cafés and markets. Affordable and highly walkable, the city offers easy access to unspoiled coastlines, forests, and medieval towns throughout Latvia, making it an inviting place to experience both the cultural depth and natural landscapes of the Baltic region.

Budget Breakdown:

Scholarships and Grants:

  • Federal aid can help pay for your program if your university pre-approves credit transfer and agrees to manage payment. Check with SRAS and your university for details.
  • All Scholarships and Grants that we know of that can be applied to our programs are listed on our site. Contact SRAS for assistance in building your strongest application!
  • SRAS Program Grants are stackable! 
  • SRAS Ambassadors can write while abroad or educate students at home after their return – and earn stipends!
  • SRAS Online Research Internships award partial scholarships for study abroad.
  • Boren Awards: This program is compatible with Boren requirements. Contact us about how to build your strongest application for Boren funding!

  1. Complete our application (press the “Apply Now” button to create your SRAS account — you will be able to return to the application later).
  2. Alert your home university (if you are currently a student).
    Some universities have deadlines for study abroad that are much earlier than SRAS deadlines -— so involve your home university’s study abroad office in the process as early as possible! They can help ensure that all goes smoothly with credit transfer and financial aid, and perhaps point you to additional funding sources.
  3. See our Planning Guide for more important information about academics, health and safety, and more.

If you are still unsure this is the right program for you, please join an SRAS Info Session or schedule an SRAS advising session to discuss how we can help fulfill your goals and needs!