Center of Excellence for Strategic Sustainability
The Center of Excellence for Strategic Sustainability (CESS) is a research group with the University of Tartu Institute of Social Sciences whose research is focused on the topics of the sustainability of human resources, social institutions, and military sociology. The Center of Excellence for Strategic Sustainability was established in January 2014 in cooperation between the University of Tartu Institute of Social Studies and the National Institute for Health Development in order to meet the Ministry of Defence's need to improve its expertise and knowledge with regard to human resources in the field of defence.
Expertise was combined and created along three main axes: monitoring and forecasting demographic and social changes; health and physical capability; and morale and preparedness. Over the years, the UT research group has carried out several collaborations and projects, thus enabling the Ministry of Defence, Defence Forces, Defence League and Defence Resources Agency to enhance and adjust their actions in regard to human resources based on the information which was gathered and analysed.
Members of the research group are actively involved in international specialty networks: the NATO research and development working groups, ERGOMAS (European Research Group on Military and Society) and ISA (International Sociological Association) research networks. The research group more broadly contributes to knowledge transfer through supervising bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral theses in the field of defence.
Current projects
Conducting a Comprehensive Study on National Defense Human Resources
The comprehensive study aims to establish a systematic approach for the annual monitoring of conscripts and reservists. The surveys and analyses will provide a solid scientific foundation for decision-making related to human resources in the defense sector, including organizing training and managing personnel in service. Study also enables analysing changes in the attitudes and opinions of individuals who have completed conscription over the years. A survey is conducted among conscripts twice: at the beginning and at the end of their service. The survey is carried out in cooperation between the Defence Forces and the University of Tartu.
Read more about the comprehensive study HERE.
Reinforcing Societal Resilience through Securitization
In addition to the various crises and social transformations, Estonian society faces security risks that threaten its independence and societal resilience. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has raised the issue of security and securitization in geopolitically intense regions.
The project aims to study and explain the securitization process at various levels and in various domains of society by combining theoretical and methodological approaches from sociology, media and communication, and computer science and develop the sociological approach to securitization. The securitization may mobilize different groups and resources, i.e. to strengthen the societal resilience; on the other hand, it can lead to the growth of destabilizing forces within the society and trigger the processes of militarization, radicalization and polarization.
The practical objective is to contribute to the prevention of negative aspects of securitization and to support societal resilience.
Completed in 2025
Beilmann, M. & Kasearu, K. (2025). Fakt teadust päevas: mis on julgeolekustumine? Õhtuleht, 17. juuli. Kasutatud 10.11.2025, https://www.ohtuleht.ee/1135283/fakt-teadust-paevas-mis-on-julgeolekust…
Česnuitytė, V., Kasearu, K. & Lillemäe, E. (2025). Motivation to Complete Conscript Training: Between Duty to the Homeland and Patriotism. T. Szvircsev Tresch, V. Česnuitytė, K. Kasearu, T. Sederholm, J. Österberg (Eds.). Conscription as Subject of National Security (193−223). Wiesbaden: Springer VS. (Militär und Sozialwissenschaften/The Military and Social Research; 58). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47545-1_10
Ferst, T., Szvircsev Tresch, T., Truusa, T-T. & Česnuitytė, V. (2025). Attitudes Towards Defense Forces. T. Szvircsev Tresch, V. Česnuitytė, K. Kasearu, T. Sederholm, J. Österberg (Eds.). Conscription as Subject of National Security (155−173 Wiesbaden: Springer VS. (Militär und Sozialwissenschaften/The Military and Social Research; 58). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47545-1_8.
Kasearu, K. (2025). Sissejuhatus. Ajateenijad Kaitseväes 2023.–2024. aasta andmetel: ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 7−11). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Jonsson, E. & Honegger, M. (2025). Conscription in Europe. T. Szvircsev Tresch, V. Česnuitytė, K. Kasearu, T. Sederholm, J. Österberg (Eds.). Conscription as Subject of National Security (283−294). Springer VS Wiesbaden. (Militär und Sozialwissenschaften/The Military and Social Research; 58). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47545-1_14
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. & Truusa, T-T. (2025). Conscription in Estonia: ‘Voluntary Conscription’ as a Response to the Changing Society. T. Szvircsev Tresch, V. Česnuitytė, K. Kasearu, T. Sederholm, J. Österberg (Eds.). Conscription as Subject of National Security (31−53). Wiesbaden: Springer VS. (Militär und Sozialwissenschaften/The Military and Social Research; 58). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47545-1_2
Kivirähk, J. (2025). Suhted ülematega ja väljaõppe kvaliteet kui olulised ajateenistusega rahulolu tegurid. Ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 31−47). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2025). Revisiting Military as a Total Institution: The Case of Conscript Service in Estonia. Armed Forces & Society, 1−24. DOI: 10.1177/0095327X251317439
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Česnuitytė, V. (2025). Conscripts’ Intentions to Become a Military Professional. T. Szvircsev Tresch, V. Česnuitytė, K. Kasearu, T. Sederholm, J. Österberg (Eds.). Conscription as Subject of National Security (259−279). Wiesbaden: Springer VS. (Militär und Sozialwissenschaften/The Military and Social Research; 58). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47545-1_13
Lina, E. (2025). Ajateenijate enesemääratlus kontrollkeskme kaudu ja kohanemine teenistusega. Ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 80−98). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Silm, K. (2025). Ajateenijate teenistusvalikute ja hoiakute seotus isa ajateenistuses osalemisega. Ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 68−79). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. (2025). Ajateenijate profiil sõltuvalt teenistusse kutsumise ajast. Ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 12−30). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. (2025). Kehalise võimekuse kontrolltestide sooritamise edukus. Ajateenijate kompleksuuringu aruanne (pp. 48−67). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E. (2025, October). The Emergence of Pragmatic Conscription in Estonia. In: IUS Conference, Reston, Virginia, US.
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Truusa, T-T. (2025, August). Navigating change: the societal challenges of Estonia’s conscription reform. In: ECPR Conference, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Truusa, T-T. Conscription in Estonia (2025, June). In Centre for Security and Strategic Research annual conference Rīga, Latvia.
Truusa, T-T., Kasearu, K. & Tooding, L-M. (2025, October). Hybrid Threats and Comprehensive Defense in Small Diverse Societies. The Case of Estonia. In ISMS Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Doctoral theses:
Lillemäe, E. (2025). Pragmatic conscription: Perceptions and experiences of conscripts in Estonia. Doctoral dissertation. University of Tartu. Supervisors: Kairi Kasearu, Eyal Ben-Ari.
Master’s theses:
Kartau, H. K. (2025). Comparison of Patriotic Attitudes and Their Changes among Conscripts with Estonian and Russian Home Languages and Their Changes During Conscription. Overview of Human Resources Conscripts' Complex Survey Results 2019-2024. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Kelder, K. (2025). Employers' Attitudes Toward Financially Supporting Employees' Participation in Reservist Training and Resulting Behavioural Intervention Opportunities. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Andero Uusberg.
Lahi, H. (2025). Factors Shaping Conscripts' Learning Approaches and Learning Environment, Their Change in Comparison Between 2017 and 2023. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Ülle Säälik.
Lina, E. (2025). Identifying Careless Responding in the Military Domain Based on Survey Data Collected Under Structured Conditions. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisors: Kairi Kasearu, Indrek Soidla.
Peiponen, K-L. (2025). Structural and Organizational-Cultural Factors Influencing Work-Life Balance among Active-Duty Personnel in the Estonian Defence Forces. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Tepp, A. (2025). Comparison of National Defence Expectations Between Territorial Defence Units and Other Reservists. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Kristjan Silm, Eleri Lillemäe.
Tulk, M-L. (2025). Attitudes of Male Conscripts towards Women's Participation in Military Service. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Täht, K. (2025). Satisfaction of Active Officers with Rotations and Its Relationship with Institutional/Occupational Motivation Models. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisor: Eleri Lillemäe.
Õsso, J. master’s thesis (2025). Satisfaction of Military Personnel With Salary and Benefits in the Estonian Defence Forces. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Kairi Kasearu.
Bachelor’s and final theses:
Alavere, A. (2025). Töö ja isikliku elu ühildamisega seotud kitsaskohtade tajumine tegevväelaste seas 2024. aasta küsitlusuuringu näitel. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: T.-T. Truusa, E. Lillemäe.
Giorgadze, M. (2025). Reservväelaste õppekogunemisel osalemist takistavad perekondlikud tegurid ja nende seos reservväelaste sotsiaaldemograafilise taustaga. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisor: E. Lillemäe.
Kala, M. Interpreting will to defend and will to fight: A case study of Estonian Defence League members who joined during the Russia–Ukraine war. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Merelaht, M. Conscript's mental health in relation to self-evaluated attitudes about being conscripted and motivators to contribute to conscription. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Vink, A. (2025). Vene emakeelega ajateenijate eesti keele oskuse areng ajateenistuse jooksul: seosed teenistusalaste ja sotsiaalsete teguritega. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisor: K. Torpan.
Completed in 2024
Aas, S., Lina, E. & Tulk, M-L. (2024). Naised ajateenistuses: motivatsioon, hoiakud ja kaasajateenijate suhtumine naiste teenistusse. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 87−112). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Jonsson, E., Salo, M., Lillemäe, E., Steder, F. B., Ferst, T., Kasearu, K., Novagrockiene, J., Österberg, J., Sederholm, T., Svensén, S., Szvircsev Tresch, T. & Truusa, T-T. (2024). Multifaceted Conscription: A Comparative Study of Six European Countries. Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies, 7(1), 19−33. DOI: 10.31374/sjms.166
Kallip, K. & Lillemäe, E. (2024). Kohakonflikti mõju õppusel Ussisõnad 2023. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 121−129). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K. (2024). Sissejuhatus. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 8−10). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. & Ben-Ari, E. (2024). How Does a Military Create a Tradition in a New Democracy? Ritual Density, Commodification and Politics in the Estonian Defence Forces. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 57(2), 1−21. DOI: 10.1525/cpcs.2023.2003078
Kasearu, K. & Tooding, L-M. (2024). Kas ajateenistus oli ajaraiskamine või siiski mitte? Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 11−24). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Truusa, T-T. & Lillemäe, E. (2024). From Zero to Hero: A Conceptual Framework of Creating and Recreating Heroism Based on the Estonian Experience. U. Ben-Shalom, R. Moelker, N. Stern, E. Ben-Ari (Ed). Military Heroism in a Post-Heroic Era (105−120). Springer, Cham. (The Military and Society). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-51556-9_7
Kasearu, K., Truusa, T-T. & Tooding, L-M. (2024). Hybrid threats and comprehensive defence in small diverse societies. The case of Estonia. B. O. Borch, T. Heier (Eds.). Preparing for Hybrid Threats to Security Collaborative Preparedness and Response (201−2017). Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781032617916-17.
Kivirähk, J. (2024). Probleemsed suhted ajateenistuses. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 25−43). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E. & Kasearu, K. (2024). Collecting and Analyzing Qualitative Data. Proposed NATO Standards and Guidelines for Conducting Military Surveys.
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2024). Conscription and Social Transformations: Estonia Between Security Needs and Social Expectations. Journal of Baltic Studies, 55(2), 251–270. DOI: 10.1080/01629778.2023.2212914
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2024). Making military conscription count? Converting competencies between the civilian and military spheres in a neo-liberal Estonia. Current Sociology, 72(5), 909−927. DOI: 10.1177/00113921231159433
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Truusa, T-T. Ajateenistus ja ajateenija võrdluses teiste riikidega. Sõdur, 140(6), 44−51.
Silm, K. (2024). Riigikaitses osalejate kaitsetahtelised hoiakud. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 44−58). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. (2024). Ajateenijate kehaline võimekus, tervis ja sportimine seitsme uurimisaasta aegreas. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 113−120). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. ja Kasearu, K. (2024). Ajateenijate ootused ja hinnang saavutatule. Riigikaitsjate ootused, hoiakud ja suhted muutunud julgeolekuolukorras: kompleksuuringu 2022.-2023.a. aruanne (pp. 59−86). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Bachelor’s and final theses:
Johanson, K. (2024). The Motives of Reservists' Participation in Training Exercises and Their Correlation with Willingness to Contribute to National Defense. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Laur, H. K. (2024). Impact of service experience on the intention to become a professional serviceman among conscripts considering a professional career in the defence forces. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Laur Nurkse.
Rožkov, A. (2024). Diversity in the Estonian Defense Forces: Attitudes and Adaptation to Serve Among Conscripts with Non-Native Backgrounds. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Soone, E. (2024). The changing attitudes of Estonian conscripts before and after the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Värno, P. (2024). Acceptance of autonomous technologies by example of small country’s defence force. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: E. Lillemäe, K. Talves.
Completed in 2023
Berglund, C., Kasearu, K. & Kivirähk, J. (2023). Fighting for the (Step)Motherland?: Predictors of Defense Willingness in Estonia’s Post-Soviet Generation. Journal of Political and Military Sociology, 49(2), 146−169. DOI: 10.5744/jpms.2022.2002
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. & Ben-Ari, E. (2023). How Does a Military Create a Tradition in a New Democracy? Ritual Density, Commodification and Politics in the Estonian Defence Forces. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 1−21. DOI: 10.1525/cpcs.2023.2003078
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. & Ben-Ari, E. (2023). The Military Covenant, Contractual Relations and Social Cohesion in Democracies: Estonia as an Exploratory Case Study. Armed Forces & Society, 49(3), 1−23. DOI: 10.1177/0095327X221100769
Kasearu, K. & Saumets, A. (Eds.) (2023). Ajateenijate ootused ja hoiakud teenistuse ja riigikaitse suhtes: 2021.–2022- aasta kompleksuuringu tulemused. EMA Occasional Papers.
Kasearu, K. & Tooding L.-M. (2023). Satisfaction with service and self-estimated physical fitness of conscripts. Sõjateadlane (Estonian Journal of Military Studies), 22, 123−146.
Kasearu, K. & Tooding, L-M. (2023). Teenistusrühma rollist kehalise võimekuse ja füüsilise vormi kujunemisel ajateenistuses. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 76–107.
Kivirähk, J. (2023). Vene emakeelega ajateenijate hoiakud riigikaitse ja ajateenistuse suhtes. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 56–75.
Leete, U. & Lillemäe, E. (2023). Ajateenijate teenistusmotivatsiooni ja vaimse vastupidavuse seosed. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 43–55.
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2023). Conscription and Social Transformations: Estonia Between Security Needs and Social Expectations. Journal of Baltic Studies. DOI: 10.1080/01629778.2023.2212914
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2023). Making military conscription count? Converting competencies between the civilian and military spheres in a neo-liberal Estonia. Current Sociology. DOI: 10.1177/00113921231159433
Lillemäe, E. & Tulk, M-L. (2023). Ettekujutus ajateenistusest ja selle muutumine: etnograafilise uuringu tekstikaeve. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 24–42.
Trumm, A. (2023). Ajateenijate suhtumine mehitamata maismaasõidukite kasutamisse. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 108–123.
Truusa, T-T. (2023). Tartu Ülikooli ühiskonnateaduste instituudis ja Kaitseväe Akadeemias ajateenijate kompleksuuringu andmetele tuginevad tudengitööd läbi aastate. K. Kasearu, A. Saumets (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 16, 9–23.
Tulk, M-L. & Lillemäe, E. (2023). Kaitseväe Akadeemiat külastasid jaanuaris Euroopa ajateenistuse uurijad. Academia Militaris, 49−49.
Master’s theses:
Sonne, J. (2023). The relationship between service satisfaction and defence attitudes in conscripts choice of specialisation in conscript service. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Priit Värno.
Usai, K. (2023). The estonian population's will to defend and will to fight between 2013 and 2022. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Kairi Kasearu, Eleri Lillemäe.
Väli, M. (2023). Change in the estonian-speaking population’s perception of security according to security threatening events and to the will to defend in the years 2013–2022. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Kairi Kasearu, Eleri Lillemäe.
Bachelor’s and final theses:
Alunurm, S. (2023). An overview of Estonian youth heroes and the portrayal of heroism in the public media based on articles about the Ukraine-Russia war. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Aren, M. (2023). Eesti kaitseväe naisajateenijate teenistusmotiivid ja rahulolu ajateenistusega aastatel 2016–2021. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Sigrid Aas, Kairi Kasearu.
Arold, A. (2023). Factors influencing the selection of a conscript's place of conscript service. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisor: Eleri Lillemäe.
Lass, H. (2023). The role of national defense education in national defense: the view of national defense teachers. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Möller, A. (2023). Ajateenija kehaliste võimete kontrolltesti ja laskeoskustesti sooritust mõjutavad tegurid logistikapataljoni näitel. Final thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisor: Eleri Lillemäe.
Peiponen, K-L. (2023). Conscripts' attitudes about women's participation in military service. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Sassi, K. (2023). Change in Willingness to Defend and Attitudes Among the Participants of the Defense Readiness Exercise "Okas" based on Three Years of Survey Data. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Completed in 2022
Aas, S., Ermus, A., Lillemäe, E. & Säälik, Ü. (2022). Rahvusvaheline militaarpsühholoogia konverents innustab sõjateadust tegema. Academia Militaris, 34−35.
Järvala, E. & Kasearu, K. (2022). Isikliku avalduse alusel teenistusse astumise erinevad põhjused ja viisid. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 55–69). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Kivirähk, J., Kõuts-Klemm, R., Seppel, K., Torpan, S. & Truusa, T-T. (2022). Venekeelse elanikkonna suhtumised ja kaitsetahe.
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. & Ben-Ari, E. (2022). The Military Covenant, Contractual Relations and Social Cohesion in Democracies: Estonia as an Exploratory Case Study. Armed Forces & Society, 1−23. DOI: 10.1177/0095327X221100769
Kasearu, K. & Lillemäe, E. (2022). Reservväelaste tagasiside õppuselt Okas. Eesti Kaitseväe aastaraamat 2021, 80−81. Kaitseväe peastaap.
Kasearu, K. & Tooding, L-M. (2022). Sissejuhatus. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 6–17). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kivirähk, J. & Kasearu, K. (2022). Ajateenijad ja riigikaitseõpetus. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 18–39). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E. & Aas, S. (2022). Riigikaitseõpetajad riigikaitseõpetusest. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 40–47). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E. & Kasearu, K. (2022). Reservväelaste vaade riigikaitsele ja õppekogunemistele. Sõdur : Eesti sõjandusajakiri, 6, 42−46.
Lillemäe, E., Laanepere, T. & Kasearu, K. (2022). Multiple Contracts Concept as Opportunity to Ease Challenges for Estonian Employers' Obligations Concerning Employees' Reserve Service in Military. E. Ben-Ari, V. Connelly (Eds.). Contemporary Military Reserves: Between the Civilian and Military Worlds (pp. 127−145). Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781003306399-10
Tooding, L-M. (2022). Ajateenijate füüsilise vormi muutus teenistuses. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 70–87). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. (2022). Kehalise võimekuse kontrolltesti tulemused ajateenistuse erinevatel etappidel. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 88–94). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Tooding, L-M. & Kasearu, K. (2022). Isiklik ja riigi poolne vaade ajateenistuse vajalikkusele. Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 48–54). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Truusa, T-T. (2022). Kõik minu kallid lima limad! Ehk, kuidas mõjutas covid19 ajateenistust 2020 aastal teenistust alustanud ajateenijate vaates? Riigikaitseõpetus ja ajateenistuse erinevad tahud pandeemia ajal. Kompleksuuringu 2020–2021 ajateenijate küsitluse aruanne (pp. 95–104). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Lillemäe, E. (2022, March). Conscription in One’s Life-Course: Valuable Experience or a Futile Obligation. In: International Military Testing Association Conference, Raleigh, North-Carolina.
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K., Truusa, T-T. & Ben-Ari, E. (2022, September). National defence education - a preparation for conscription? In: The Sixth Kinneret Conference on Civil-Military Studies, Kinneret, Iisrael.
Lillemäe, E. (2022, October). Conscription as Part of Life Course: an Ethnographic Study. In: ISMS Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
Kasearu, K. (2022, October). From conscript service to active duty – the realization of intentions in Estonia. In: ISMS Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
Česnuitytė, V., Ferst, T., Jonsson E., Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E., Novagrockienė, J., Salo, M., Salminen, M., Sederholm, T., Steder, FB., Svensen, S., Szvircsev Tresch, T., Truusa, TT. & Österberg, J. (2022, October). The present and future of conscription in Europe in the 21st century. In: ISMS Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
Doctoral theses:
Truusa, T-T. (2022). The entangled gap: the male Estonian citizen and the interconnections between civilian and military spheres in society. Doctoral dissertation. University of Tartu. Supervisors: Kairi Kasearu, Avo Trumm, Judit Strömpl.
Master’s theses:
Leppik, T. (2022). Reservists’ perceptions of reserve military service. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Eleri Lillemäe, Tiia-Triin Truusa.
Bachelor’s and final theses:
Tulk, M-L. (2022). Attitudes of the Estonian population towards the participation of women in the Defence Forces 2016-2021. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Completed in 2021
Järvala, E. (2021). Ajateenijate materiaalne toimetulek ja teadlikkus tugiteenustest eriolukorras. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 83–99). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K. (2021). Sissejuhatus. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 9–11). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K. (2021). Teenistusambitsioonid ja nende realiseerumine. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 71–82). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Järvala, E. & Trumm, A. (2021). Ajateenijate kohanemine eriolukorras mullu kevadel. Sõdur: Eesti sõjandusajakiri, 1, 44−47.
Kasearu, K. & Trumm, A. (2021). Inimvara hetkeseis ja ajateenijate profiil. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 12–16). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kasearu, K., Sarik, M. & Tooding, L-M. (2021). Ajateenijate füüsiline vorm ehk sportimisest kaitseväes. Sõdur: Eesti sõjandusajakiri, 4, 46−51.
Kivirähk, J. (2021). Rahulolu ajateenistusega. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 18–37). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Kivirähk, J. & Kasearu, K. (2021). Tee avaliku arvamuse uuringutest kompleksuuringuni. Academia Militaris, 2, 32−33.
Laanepere, T. & Kasearu, K. (2021). Military and Civilian Field Related Factors in Estonian Reservists’ Military Service Readiness. Armed Forces & Society, 47(4), 690−709. DOI: 10.1177/0095327X20944093
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. & Ben-Ari, E. (2021). Conscription in a Changing Society. A. Saumets, K. Kuldnokk (Eds.). EMA Occasional Papers, 12, 23−29.
Lillemäe, E. & Truusa, T.-T. (2021). Kaksikkonverents: virtuaalsust ja reaalsust. Academia Militaris, 2, 44−46.
Pilli, E. & Truusa, T-T. (2021). Assessment in professional military education. Tartu, Estonia: University of Tartu Press.
Tooding, L-M. (2021). Ajateenija kehaline võimekus ja selle muutus ajateenistuses. Ajateenijate teenistuses edasijõudmine. Kompleksuuringu ajateenijate 2019–2020 küsitluse aruanne (pp. 38–70). TÜ ühiskonnateaduste instituut.
Truusa, T-T., Kasearu, K. & Strömpl, J. (2021). Military spouses in contemporary Estonia: meaning making in the stories of the wives and partners of active servicemen. Journal of Baltic Studies, 307−321. DOI: 10.1080/01629778.2021.1915830
Ventsel, A., Rickberg, M., Madisson, M-L., Hansson, S., Kasearu, K., Kivirähk, J., Tooding, L-M. & Järvela, E. (2021). Vaenulike infopettetegevusstrateegiate ja –taktikate uuring infojulgeoleku teadlikkuse tõstmiseks, (1−43).
Lillemäe, E., Kasearu, K. ja Ben-Ari, E. (2021, July). How to Make Conscription Count? Converting Competencies in the Estonian Case. In: 16th ERGOMAS Biennial Conference "Dynamic armed forces in changing societies: Challenges for research in and on the military", Tartu, Estonia.
Kasearu, K., Lillemäe, E. ja Ben-Ari, E. (2021, July). Social Cohesion, Social Contracts and Military Covenants: Negotiated relations and solidarity in Estonia. In: 16th ERGOMAS Biennial Conference "Dynamic armed forces in changing societies: Challenges for research in and on the military", Tartu, Estonia.
Laanepere, T. ja Kasearu, K. (2021, July). Civilian and Military Status of Reserve Soldiers and Willingness to Participate in Military Service. In: 16th ERGOMAS Biennial Conference "Dynamic armed forces in changing societies: Challenges for research in and on the military", Tartu, Estonia.
Truusa, T.-T. (2021, July). The Entangled Gap. In: 16th ERGOMAS Biennial Conference "Dynamic armed forces in changing societies: Challenges for research in and on the military", Tartu, Estonia.
Lillemäe, E. (2021, August–September). Designing One’s Life Course – How to Fit Conscription? In: .15th ESA Conference "Sociological Knowledges for Alternative Futures", Barcelona (online).
Doctoral theses:
Laanepere, T. (2021). Looking at the Military Service Readiness of Estonian Reserve Soldiers through the Prism of Bourdieu's Theory of Practice (Eesti reservväelaste teenistusvalmidus ja Bourdieu praktikateooria). Doctoral dissertation. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Master’s theses:
Nettan, P. (2021). Entering conscription with classmates and its impact on the completion of conscription. Master’s thesis. Estonian Military Academy. Supervisors: Antek Kasemaa, Eleri Lillemäe.
Silm, K. (2021). Retrospective: Becoming an Active Serviceman. Master’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Bachelor’s and final theses:
Haar, J. (2021). Estonian and Russian-speaking conscripts` media consumption and its association with identification of misinformation. Final thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Keskpalu, H. (2021). Selection of conscripts between different drafts and advancement in military service. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Must, K. (2021). Socio-economic factors shaping the conscripts entry into active service in Estonian Defence Force. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisor: Kairi Kasearu.
Roon, J. (2021). Ajateenistusse astujate arusaamad infomõjutusest. Bachelor’s thesis. University of Tartu. Supervisors: Kaspar Kruup, Kairi Kasearu.
