Annual Baltic Military History Conference to Focus on Professional Military Education in the Baltic Region (1919–2024) 

Tartu, Estonia – The Annual Baltic Military History Conference, a premier event for military historians and defence experts, will be held from 31 October to 1 November 2024 at the University of Tartu Library Conference Centre. This year’s conference, titled "Professional Military Education in the Baltic Region, 1919–2024," is jointly organised by the Baltic Defence College, the Estonian War Museum – General Laidoner Museum, the Estonian Military Academy, the Latvian War Museum, and Vytautas the Great War Museum. 

Conference Theme: The conference will explore the rich history and evolution of professional military education in the Baltic states, spanning over 200 years from its origins during the Russian Empire to its modern role in shaping regional security. The discussions will cover significant historical periods, including:

• Previous influences on the military education of the Baltic states and the establishment of this educational system during the wars of independence.

• Interwar Developments: The rapid reorganisation of military education in the newly independent Baltic states following their wars of independence in 1919.

• Experiences of Professional Military Education: Different case studies and specializations in military education.

• Post-Cold War Reformation: The resurgence of military education following Baltic independence in the 1990s, culminating in the establishment of key institutions like the Baltic Defence College.

Organizing Institutions:

• Baltic Defence College: A leading institution in professional military education and training military officers and civil servants from the Baltic region and allied nations.

• Estonian War Museum – General Laidoner Museum: Estonia’s primary institution dedicated to preserving and researching military history and heritage.

• Estonian Military Academy: Estonia's premier military training and education institution.

• Latvian War Museum: Latvia’s largest military history museum focused on the nation’s military heritage.

• Vytautas the Great War Museum: A prominent institution in Lithuania, showcasing the country’s military history and contributions to Baltic defence.

Keynote Speaker: Major General Andis Dilāns has served in various high-ranking positions in the Latvian Armed Forces and has played a key role in shaping defence policy and military education. His expertise will provide critical insights into the evolving nature of military education in the context of both historical and contemporary security challenges. 

On the second day of the conference, there will be round table discussions for invited guests and speakers. Further cooperation and possible joint projects will be discussed there. With more partners, developing international cooperation and coordinating activities is necessary for future projects. 

The conference will bring together leading experts, scholars, and military professionals to engage in discussions on how the Baltic region's military education has adapted to shifting political, economic, and military realities over the past two centuries. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how past lessons continue to influence today's strategic thinking and training practices.  

Event Details:

• Date: 31 October–1 November 2024

• Location: University of Tartu Library Conference Centre, Tartu, Estonia

For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Conference Organizing Team: [email protected]

Conference Director: [email protected] 

Visit the official website for more details, full conference programme and registration: https://baltmilhist.eu/ 

The Baltic Defence College, the Estonian War Museum – General Laidoner Museum, the Estonian Military Academy, the Latvian War Museum, and Vytautas the Great War Museum are all committed to advancing the study of military history and education in the Baltic region. These institutions play a key role in shaping military strategy, leadership, and historical preservation in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.