Small Nations, Big Powers: How Iceland and Latvia Navigate US and Russian Pressure

In a world where major powers often throw their weight around, small countries must carefully navigate their relationships with larger neighbors. This DW News report examines two very different cases: Iceland, which is facing renewed U.S. interest in the Arctic, and Latvia, which is spending billions to deter Russia. Both countries are dealing with distinct pressures, but they share the challenge of preserving their sovereignty while managing powerful suitors. Political scientists Eirikur Bergmann and Una Bergmane provide expert analysis on how Iceland and Latvia are responding to these external forces. Iceland's strategic location in the Arctic has drawn attention from the United States, while Latvia's proximity to Russia has forced it to invest heavily in defense. The two experts discuss the room these small states have to set their own course and the difficult choices they must make. The segment raises a fundamental question: how do small nations maintain independence when bigger powers are leaning on them? Through interviews and analysis, the report sheds light on the strategies these countries employ and the broader implications for international relations.