LIIA's 20th Birthday

Today, on May 20th, 2012, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs celebrates its 20th birthday. Exactly two decades ago, in 1992, the LIIA was founded by a few activists, among whom was Atis Lejiņš, who became the first Director of the Institute. After almost 19 years he was succeeded by the current director, Dr. Andris Sprūds.

Over the past 20 years, the Institute has managed to produce more than 60 publications, has hosted a number of Latvian and international conferences, and has established itself as a well known partner organization in Europe and worldwide. Being one of the oldest non-governmental organizations and among the first foreign policy research institutes in modern Latvia, the Latvian Institute of International Affairs has been credited as one of the main contributors to the emergence of IR as an academic and analytical discipline, and has fostered analysts in Latvia.

Of course, this would not be possible without the IR students, analysts, journalists, diplomats, various state officials and, naturally, foreign policy observers with personal interest. We thank you all for being with us for all these years and hope to have your support for at least 20 more years!

Thank you and congratulations!

Published 20 May 2012