Mantas Petrauskas Author
2026-05-18 11:01
4 min read
The Statehood Space of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania will host an intellectual forum on the evening of May 22. Starting at 6:00 PM, musicologist, organist, and cultural researcher Jūratė Landsbergytė-Becher will present her latest work, Lithuanian Mannerheim Line: Cultural Landscapes Political Issues in Civilisational Context. The event is more than a book launch; it is an exploration of the invisible yet vital boundaries of national survival amidst modern geopolitical challenges.
In her research spanning several decades, Jūratė Landsbergytė-Becher has analyzed the intersections of cultural landscapes, historical memory, and civilizational identity. In her new book, she employs the metaphor of the “Mannerheim Line.” Historically known as Finland’s defensive fortification against Soviet aggression, the author transforms this concept into a spiritual and cultural phenomenon protecting the freedom of the Baltic region.
The collection of articles raises difficult questions regarding the idea of statehood and the betrayal of values. It analyzes how small nations are marginalized in the shadow of major geopolitical games and the role cultural landscapes play in national self-awareness. For the author, this “Mannerheim Line” is not made of concrete or trenches, but of a moral backbone that allows a society to withstand civilizational shifts. This intellectual shield becomes particularly relevant as the traditional foundations of European security architecture begin to waver.
The book draws direct parallels between the “Iron Curtains” of the 20th century and Ukraine’s current struggle for freedom. Landsbergytė-Becher invites readers to rethink the “red lines” that have returned to Europe as both political rhetoric and a reality marked by conflict. She analyzes how historical traumas can be converted into strength and why cultural memory is the most critical link in defense when facing existential threats.
In this context, the Mannerheim Line is no longer a relic of the past but a living civilizational choice. The author emphasizes that the survival of small nations depends on their ability to maintain cultural identity even when global power centers attempt to redraw maps. The discussion aims to highlight the book’s relevance not only to academics but to every citizen seeking answers to today’s security concerns.
The event features a distinguished panel representing different generations of Lithuanian intellectual and political life. Joining the author will be Professor Vytautas Landsbergis—the first head of state of independent Lithuania after 1990—alongside writer and director Vytautas V. Landsbergis and director Vytautas Oškinis. This lineup promises a deep analysis of Lithuania’s historical memory and current reality, blending political insight with artistic and historical experience.
The discussion will be moderated by Inga and Alma Laužonytė, who will guide the audience through the book’s complex themes, ranging from musicological insights to rigorous geopolitical analysis.
The evening will also include a screening of a film by director Vytautas Oškinis about Jūratė Landsbergytė-Becher. This visual narrative reveals the author’s personality through her creative work, music, and the trajectories of cultural memory. The film provides context for the book’s origins, portraying the author as an organist and essayist whose thinking is shaped by both sound and word.
This visual element adds emotional weight to the book’s theses, demonstrating how personal experience intertwines with national destiny. It helps the audience perceive the “Mannerheim Line” not just as a theoretical construct, but as a lived experience fostered through musical and social activity.
Information
Details
Date and Time
May 22, 6:00 PM
Location
National Library of Lithuania, Statehood Space (2nd Floor), Vilnius
Key Participants
J. Landsbergytė-Becher, Prof. V. Landsbergis, V. V. Landsbergis, V. Oškinis
Format
Book presentation, discussion, and film screening
Language and Admission
The event will be held in Lithuanian; admission is free
This meeting is open to anyone interested in Lithuania’s place in the modern civilizational context and those wishing to understand how culture serves as the foundation of national security.
What is the ‘Lithuanian Mannerheim Line’ discussed in the book?
It is a metaphor used by author Jūratė Landsbergytė-Becher to describe the cultural, spiritual, and civilizational defense mechanisms that protect the identity and freedom of the Baltic region.
Who are the main speakers at the event?
The event features the author Jūratė Landsbergytė-Becher, Professor Vytautas Landsbergis (a key figure in Lithuania’s independence), writer Vytautas V. Landsbergis, and director Vytautas Oškinis.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, the event at the National Library of Lithuania is free and open to the public, though it will be conducted in the Lithuanian language.
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Article contextPeople & topics3#7Jūratė Landsbergytė-BecherVytautas LandsbergisVytautas V. Landsbergis