Month: February 2026
The Logic of Ritual Action in International Relations
NATO Pirates in the Baltic Sea? Lawfare in Russian Deterrence Strategy
The chapter “NATO Pirates in the Baltic Sea? Lawfare in Russian Deterrence Strategy” explores how lawfare has become integral to Russia’s coercive signaling strategies. Mariia examines the escalating piracy rhetoric employed by Russian officials in response to European states’ detention of shadow fleet vessels suspected of damaging undersea infrastructure in the Baltic. This narrative reveals how the Kremlin appropriates the authority of international law to achieve strategic ends. By characterizing European navies as pirates—against whom international law grants any state universal jurisdiction—Moscow effectively threatens European navies with escalation and legitimizes potential use of force.
Please find the full text available in open access on the official page of the Russia Conference at the Baltic Defense College.
Maria Mälksoo participated at the International Expert Group on Peace for Ukraine meetings in Tokyo
Prof. Mälksoo participated at the International Expert Group on Peace for Ukraine meetings in Tokyo, Japan on 26-29 January 2026. The meetings were held at Keio University, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Institute of International Affairs, National Institute of Defense Studies, and Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The focus of the working group meeting was on the questions of occupied territories, justice for Ukraine and accountability for Russia.
