Grįžti
Kristina Belikova
2017/18

Kristina Belikova

Linkedin

Education:

  • Master of European Interdisciplinary Studies (College of Europe, Natolin)
  • Master of New Media and Communication (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels)
  • European studies, Erasmus exchange (University Maastricht, Netherlands)
  • Bachelor of Journalism (Vilnius University, Institute of Journalism)

Experience

  • One year of professional experience at Freedom House in New York and Washington, USA
  • Internship at the United Nations Mission in Brussels, Belgium
  • Internship at the European Journalism Center in Maastricht, Holland

Motivation

I believe that Lithuania’s secured position in the international arena and the effective representation of our country’s interests are vital in order to ensure the country’s far–reaching progress in the fields of economy, security, human rights and democracy. That is why I clearly expressed my desire to work in the field of foreign policy when applying to “Kurk Lietuvai”. I am convinced that Lithuania’s foreign policy must be formed based on the fundamental principles of democracy, in order to spread human rights, freedom of the press and political freedoms in the country’s neighborhood. With my small works, I will strive to ensure that the geopolitical narrative is not the only one shaping Lithuania’s priorities in international relations.

My experience in journalism, the United Nations, international organizations and lobbying helped me to gather a strong knowledge and skills package, which is necessary to successfully represent Lithuania in the future, to communicate the state’s priorities and to form a purposeful and strategic foreign policy of the country. During the last five homes, my temporary homes have been Maastricht, Brussels, Warsaw, New York and Washington, but my real home has always been Lithuania.

I am grateful to “Kurk Lietuvai” for giving me an inspiring opportunity to return home!

Rotation

1
5 March 2018 - 5 September 2018

Increasing resilience of Lithuanian diaspora to disinformation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania

Propaganda and disinformation have become an integral part of international relations these days. By utilizing disinformation campaigns, third parties are intervening into national security matters, trying to influence the outcomes of the elections and referendums on questions of major importance. The examples of the presidential elections in the USA and France, as well as Brexit referendum in the UK are sending an alarming signal and exposing how dangerous and harmful to democracy such interventions can be. These risks are also relevant for Lithuania and their relevance is predicted to skyrocket in the upcoming year. With the presidential elections, accompanied by European Parliament elections and, most probably, a referendum on dual citizenship in 2019, Lithuania is expected to face more and wider disinformation attacks, touching upon an extensive range of issues. This could lead to a segmentation of the society and could affect the outcomes of the elections and a referendum.