| Abstract [eng] |
In the Lithuanian mindset civil resistance includes both non-violent and armed resistance. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union is a significant example of union of these kinds of civil resistance. In addition, the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union plays a crucial role in gathering people sharing a similar mindset and creating a community: the aspect of togetherness and cooperation is significant for civil resistance. It is important to highlight that one’s social circle may often encourage self-engagement in such an organization as the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union: the more one's social environment expresses its values, the more one is likely to trust them and to engage. The empiric proof collected during qualitative research, during which semi-structured interviews with young people taking part in the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union were conducted, has confirmed the significance of a social circle. In addition, the research has shown that an aim for community, self-realization and civil position may motivate to take part in such organizations. It was also found that young people’s understanding of national threats is wide and covers all kinds of national threats that are usually mentioned in theory. The emphasis in the current context is mostly on the threats to information and social security. However, no matter at what level threats were perceived, Lithuania is still considered a safe place, particularly for its international cooperation and membership in NATO and the EU. |
