Reinis Pozņaks: War Is Won Not Only by the Military – Society Must Be Involved

In a recent commentary, Reinis Pozņaks highlights that victory in war depends not solely on the armed forces but on the readiness and involvement of civil society. He references an interview by NATO Brigadier General Mark Lobel, who stated that without civilians, the alliance would lose. Lobel emphasizes that the military relies on the functioning of the internet, power supply, and communications, which are maintained by civilian specialists.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, addressing the Saeima, reminded that clear action algorithms must be applied by every individual, municipality, and company. Pozņaks notes that both leaders reach the same conclusion: military aggression cannot be stopped by the army alone.

The article also quotes former Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, who said that war is no longer limited to the front line—there is no safe rear, and the entire country becomes a war zone. He introduced the concept of "type one mobilization," where people of various professions ensure the state continues to function during war. Zaluzhnyi also stressed that the widespread use of drones requires businesses to organize their own infrastructure protection, as the state cannot defend every target.

Pozņaks concludes that the European Union is increasingly investing in defense capabilities and resilience, but this does not replace each country's and society's willingness to take responsibility. National defense readiness begins in universities, companies, local governments, and families.