ACTIONS AND REACTIONS: HUMAN RIGHTS NGOS NAVIGATING HYBRID WARFARE AND RUSSIAN DIASPORA CHALLENGES IN THE BALTIC STATES

This thesis investigates the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in promoting human rights and societal cohesion amid the challenges posed by fallout of war and hybrid warfare tactics, with a focus on the Russian diaspora. NGOs in the Baltic states are crucial in strengthening civil society and upholding democratic values, however, various aspects influence the capabilities of the NGOs to fully commit to their aims, such as funding constraints, political pressures, and societal challenges. Using a mixed methods approach the study highlights the critical functions and persistent challenges of NGOs in the Baltic region. The research reveals that NGOs play a vital role in countering disinformation, advocating for minority rights, and promoting inclusivity, however the war in Ukraine has intensified regional tensions, complicating the protection of minority rights and societal cohesion and has instead highlighted security issues as a priority.