The Intelligence from The Economist Suspicious mines: Putin-proofing the Baltics
23 snips
May 22, 2025 
David Rennie, Geopolitics editor at The Economist, and John Fassman, Senior culture correspondent, delve into the pressing security concerns faced by the Baltic states amidst Russian threats. They discuss the moral complexities of abandoning international landmine treaties for national defense. The conversation shifts to Baltimore's crime rate decline, highlighting community initiatives and policy reforms. Lastly, they reflect on a new biography of Mark Twain, exploring his impact on American literature and culture.
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Baltic States Shift Defense Policies
- Baltic states face acute security threats from Russia, prompting defensive measures at their borders.
- They are reconsidering treaties banning landmines and cluster munitions due to potential invasion risks.
Baltic Border Security Anecdote
- David Rennie visited a closed border crossing near Lithuania's capital with Belarus showing extreme border security.
- The area includes a huge fence, razor wire, cleared ground for tracking, and warnings to citizens not to travel to Belarus.
Return to Cold War Realities
- The idealism of banning landmines and cluster munitions is challenged by returning great-power conflict realities.
- Countries that were once naive about perpetual peace now see the need to accept harsher defense measures.