The Atlantic magazine's November 2026 print edition features an in-depth article analyzing the potential outbreak of war in Europe centered on the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) facing Russian aggression. The piece provides a detailed overview of military preparations, geopolitical context, and regional vulnerabilities. It describes a simulated Lithuanian militia operation at Bezdonys illustrating defensive tactics against Russian invasion, including the use of volunteer riflemen. It discusses NATO's evolving defense posture, including political uncertainties around US support under previous administrations. The Baltic states' strategic geography is highlighted, especially the Suwałki Gap corridor connecting them to NATO Europe and vulnerabilities posed by Russian exclave Kaliningrad. Defensive measures are described, such as anti-tank obstacles ('dragon’s teeth'), natural terrain modification, and advanced sensors with AI integration modeled after Ukrainian defense systems. The article covers potential hybrid warfare tactics by Russia including cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage, disinformation, migrant pressure via Belarus, and stirring internal unrest among Russian minorities. It details NATO’s alert systems, command structures (North Atlantic Council, military committee), and troop deployments from around 20 countries, emphasizing US hardware and intelligence assets. The article also covers Baltic states' fears about delayed NATO response and their emphasis on self-reliance through militia expansion and airpower hope. Estonia’s cyber defense leadership and lessons from past Russian cyberattacks (2007) are noted. Prominent figures quoted or pictured include Lithuania’s Chief of Defense General Raimundas Vaikšnoras and NATO military staff leader Remigijus Baltrėnas. Visuals include maps of the Baltic Sea region, photos of Lithuanian militia exercises, fortified borders, and NATO exercise command centers.

The Atlantic magazine's November 2026 print edition features an in-depth article analyzing the potential outbreak of war in Europe centered on the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) facing Russian aggression. The piece provides a detailed overview of military preparations, geopolitical context, and regional vulnerabilities. It describes a simulated Lithuanian militia operation at Bezdonys illustrating defensive tactics against Russian invasion, including the use of volunteer riflemen. It discusses NATO's evolving defense posture, including political uncertainties around US support under previous administrations. The Baltic states' strategic geography is highlighted, especially the Suwałki Gap corridor connecting them to NATO Europe and vulnerabilities posed by Russian exclave Kaliningrad. Defensive measures are described, such as anti-tank obstacles ('dragon’s teeth'), natural terrain modification, and advanced sensors with AI integration modeled after Ukrainian defense systems. The article covers potential hybrid warfare tactics by Russia including cyberattacks, infrastructure sabotage, disinformation, migrant pressure via Belarus, and stirring internal unrest among Russian minorities. It details NATO’s alert systems, command structures (North Atlantic Council, military committee), and troop deployments from around 20 countries, emphasizing US hardware and intelligence assets. The article also covers Baltic states' fears about delayed NATO response and their emphasis on self-reliance through militia expansion and airpower hope. Estonia’s cyber defense leadership and lessons from past Russian cyberattacks (2007) are noted. Prominent figures quoted or pictured include Lithuania’s Chief of Defense General Raimundas Vaikšnoras and NATO military staff leader Remigijus Baltrėnas. Visuals include maps of the Baltic Sea region, photos of Lithuanian militia exercises, fortified borders, and NATO exercise command centers.