Authored by: Andris Banka and Margit Bussmann
In the presented analysis, we examine the Canadian approach to “winning hearts and minds” in Latvia. Today, upwards of 800 Canadian troops are stationed in Latvia. Using original survey data, we measure local citizens' attitudes towards the Canadian-led battlegroup. Our results speak to the fact that Canadian and other foreign armed forces' presence in Latvia is generally accepted by the wider society. Despite Moscow's active attempts to cultivate anti-NATO sentiments, the Latvian public welcomes the stationing of Canadian troops on the country's soil.