For small states, security is not merely a matter of military defence. Dependence on allies, technology and critical infrastructure, as well as information and economic threats, demographic changes and competition amongst the great powers, require the ability to act strategically, swiftly and creatively.
Small states operate in a world where the rules are often dictated by the great powers. They have fewer material and human resources and are more dependent on alliances, international institutions, trade, technology and infrastructure.
However, a small state does not necessarily mean a weak state. The ability to build coalitions, specialise, rapidly adopt innovations, harness technology and build societal resilience can provide small states with strategic advantages. The programme will therefore examine not only the vulnerability of states, but also their ability to adapt, act and build security in a constantly changing international environment.
The programme is taught in English and is designed for those wishing to understand the contemporary security environment and analyse how small states can not only respond to threats but also actively shape their own security, defence and resilience strategies.
Small states security
A Master’s programme taught in English, designed for those wishing to understand the contemporary security environment and analyse how small states can not only respond to threats but also actively shape their own security, defence and resilience strategies.
Eastern European and Russian studies
The Eastern European and Russian Studies at Vilnius University programme is devised to provide with deep and comprehensive knowledge about the region – its political, economic and cultural particularities, and develop your academic and analytical skills that will enable students to analyse, evaluate and assess key political and social processes within this dynamic and exciting region.
“We give our Master students the freedom to explore and create their own personalized path of studies. They can decide to read classical philosophy or analyze the phenomenon of techno-bodies, focus on power and communication or get trained for international negotiations. This freedom goes hand in hand with hard work and responsibility. The result is more than just knowledge; it is students realizing their potential and implementing their ideas. We work in particularly small groups, so students can interact directly with leading researchers and practitioners. Intensive studies based on the analysis of real-life cases allow students to gain hands-on experience that can be put to use examining complex contemporary challenges and offering professional solutions.” – deputy director for studies assoc. prof. dr. Lina Strupinskienė
ARQUS Joint Master’s Programme European Studies
Link for application: https://jointdegree.biobs.com
Application deadline: March 31st, 2026 (23:59 CET)
More information: https://arqus-alliance.eu/master-european-studies/
Europe is facing significant challenges in recent years. Alongside the just-ended global pandemic and the recent biggest military conflict on the subcontinent since World War II, defining a new concept of Europe will be a significant issue.
The Joint Master’s programme in European studies provides the opportunity to find the best solutions through an interdisciplinary approach. This is a great opportunity to study Europe with lecturers from the four forefront European universities (University of Granada, University of Graz, Leipzig University and Vilnius University), and develop soft skills that will flourish in your future career.
