In the historic grounds of Leonpolis Manor, the conversation this June will shift from the aesthetics of heritage to the survival of the state. As Lithuania continues to navigate its position on NATO’s eastern flank, the upcoming “Citizenship Festival” is set to host a pivotal discussion titled “Total Defense – Reality or Utopia?” The central question posed to attendees is one that has gained somber resonance across Europe: do you know what you would do on ‘Day X’?
Dominykas Kubilius, a well-known filmmaker, volunteer soldier, and creator of the “Ant laužo” channel, will moderate the debate. His stance is clear: national defense is not a task reserved solely for those in uniform. Instead, it begins with a personal audit of one’s own skills and responsibilities. For the UK reader, observing from a different geographic perspective, the Baltic model of “Total Defense” offers a stark look at how a society prepares for the worst-case scenario through civic integration rather than just military spending.
The Role of the Civilian in National Resilience
According to Kubilius, the first step toward national security is not picking up a weapon, but asking oneself: “What would I do?” In a crisis, the readiness of the military is only one half of the equation; the other half is the ability of the general population to act, take responsibility, and support one another.
“Everyone has to think about what they would do during the worst-case scenario,” Kubilius argues. “And if they feel that a weapon is not for them, they must do what they do best in their real life. A cook should feed people, a teacher should take care of children, a journalist should inform, and a businessman should mobilize support. Each of us is important, and if the worst happens, every one of us will be needed.”
This philosophy moves defense away from the abstract halls of government and into the daily lives of citizens. It suggests that a society’s resilience is measured by how well its existing infrastructure—its schools, kitchens, and newsrooms—can pivot to support a nation in distress.
Moving Beyond Fear to Conscious Responsibility
The discussion will feature high-level perspectives on how this integration works in practice. Tomas Godliauskas, Lithuania’s Vice Minister of National Defense, emphasizes that “Total Defense” is not an exercise in fear-mongering. Rather, it is a hallmark of a mature, conscious society. He suggests that preparation leads to calm; knowing one’s place in the security system reduces the panic that often accompanies a crisis.
Psychological readiness is another pillar of this approach. Rosita Kanapeckaitė, a psychologist and reserve major, will address the importance of community spirit. Her involvement highlights a growing recognition that mental fortitude and social cohesion are as vital as physical fortifications. This is echoed by civic activist Skirmantas Malinauskas, who notes that the strength of a state is directly proportional to the responsibility its citizens feel toward it.
A Cultural Backdrop to Serious Discourse
The festival, now in its third year and organized by the “Citizenship Festival” NGO and the “Lithuanian Millennium Rotary Club,” is not merely a military seminar. It is a cultural event designed to foster a sense of national identity. This year’s program includes a unique poetic and musical dialogue between Professor Vytautas Landsbergis—a key figure in Lithuania’s independence movement—and his daughter, Birutė Landsbergytė-Cechanavičienė.
The event, taking place on Saturday, June 6, will also feature live music, educational activities for families, and programs by the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. By blending high-stakes security discussions with cultural performances, the festival aims to demonstrate that what is being defended is not just territory, but a way of life and a shared culture.
For international observers, the Leonpolis Manor discussions serve as a blueprint for modern civic engagement. As the concept of “Total Defense” gains traction across the continent, the Lithuanian experience suggests that the most effective deterrent is a population that knows exactly where they fit in the national puzzle, long before any crisis arrives.
Source: BNS
Comments