01156nas a2200205   4500000000100000000000100001008004100002260002100043653002400064653002500088653001700113653001100130653003000141653003100171100001700202245006700219300001200286490000700298520064500305       2019                            d  cSummer-Fall 201910achecks and balances10acounter-intelligence10aintelligence10aLatvia10apost-communist transition10aRussian-Ukrainian conflict1 aAndis Kudors00aTransformation of Security and Intelligence Services in Latvia  a105-1240 v183 a<p>The article examines in detail the process of setting up the security services of Latvia in the period prior to and after gaining full independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The author emphasizes that a successful transition towards a consolidated democracy requires decisive and quick actions in selecting personnel with intelligence experience under the totalitarian regime, yet loyal to the national ideals and the principles of democracy, the need for a clear legislative framework, and comprehensive democratic control of the services along parliamentary, government, judicial, prosecution, and financing venues.</p>