PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE STRATEGIES XXI
Romania and the New Dynamics of International Security
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE STRATEGIES XXI
Romania and the New Dynamics of International Security
Contributor(s): Marius-Silviu TOFAN (Editor), Alexandru STOICA (Editor), Alba-Iulia Catrinel POPESCU (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense
ISSN: 2784-2487
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: security; defence; geopolitics;
Summary/Abstract: This collection brings together contemporary analyses of global and regional security dynamics, reflecting the shifting architecture of power in what several authors describe as a “Second Cold War.” The contributions examine Bangladesh’s dual role as actor and geopolitical arena through Kenneth Waltz’s structural levels of analysis; China’s geoeconomic warfare strategy and its military, political, and informational implications for the Black Sea region; and the evolving concept of European defence in the context of the Readiness 2030 agenda. Further studies explore state‑ and identity‑building processes in Djibouti, the legal and political tensions between self‑determination and territorial integrity, and the strategic importance of hydropower for Romania’s critical energy infrastructure resilience. The volume also highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in the Black Sea arena, the challenges of countering hybrid warfare in the region, and the mechanisms of pro‑Russian disinformation in digital echo chambers between 2022 and 2024. Together, these articles offer a multidimensional perspective on contemporary security, sovereignty, and strategic competition across interconnected global theatres.
Series: STRATEGII - Sesiunea de Comunicări Științifice
- Page Count: 112
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: English
BANGLADESH – BOTH ACTOR AND STAGE WITHIN THE SECOND COLD WAR – AN ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO KENNETH WALTZ’S STRUCTURAL LEVELS OF ANALYSIS –
BANGLADESH – BOTH ACTOR AND STAGE WITHIN THE SECOND COLD WAR – AN ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO KENNETH WALTZ’S STRUCTURAL LEVELS OF ANALYSIS –
(BANGLADESH – BOTH ACTOR AND STAGE WITHIN THE SECOND COLD WAR – AN ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO KENNETH WALTZ’S STRUCTURAL LEVELS OF ANALYSIS –)
- Author(s):Silviu-Valentin PETRE
- Language:English
- Subject(s):History, Military history, Political history
- Page Range:5-20
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Bangladesh; Sheikh Hasina; Cold War; Kenneth Waltz; levels of analysis.
- Summary/Abstract:The rapid departure of former Bangladeshi prime-minister Sheikh Hasina after fifteen years of iron grip power amidst massive popular uprising remains a work in progress. Seen from the lenses of domestic politics, the disruptive event relates to the personalist-dynastic politics so much entrenched in Bangladeshi public culture. Seen from the bureaucratic point of view, Bangladesh remains a country with deep postpartum scars after the break-up from Pakistan. Seen from the wider perspective of international politics, Bangladesh’s road to development was probably victim to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a to-good-to-be true bonanza which did not generate win-win gains for all the members but made them heavily indebted to Beijing’s macro economical ambitions and schemes.In order to explain the structural causes that lead to Sheikh Hasina’s departure in the summer of 2024, this article shall use a three-layered analysis as conceived by Kenneth Waltz taxonomy in his 1954/1959 book “Man, State and War”. Thus, we shall focus our attention to the political leadership, the particularities of Bangladeshi state and commanding institutions and also on the manner in which international system exerts pressure upon Bangladeshi domestic scene.
CHINA’S GEOCONOMIC WARFARE STRATEGY AND ITS REGIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS (MILITARY, POLITICAL, INFORMATION) – BLACK SEA REGION SECURITY CASE-STUDY
CHINA’S GEOCONOMIC WARFARE STRATEGY AND ITS REGIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS (MILITARY, POLITICAL, INFORMATION) – BLACK SEA REGION SECURITY CASE-STUDY
(CHINA’S GEOCONOMIC WARFARE STRATEGY AND ITS REGIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS (MILITARY, POLITICAL, INFORMATION) – BLACK SEA REGION SECURITY CASE-STUDY)
- Author(s):Maisaia VAKHTANG, Ani GAGNIDZE, Beka MANAGADZE
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense, Geopolitics
- Page Range:21-36
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:geo-economic security; geo-economic warfare strategy; China; economic security; case-study; Black Sea regional security.
- Summary/Abstract:New academic security dimension has emerged in aegis of contemporary international security that is configured with military, political and information interest realization perspective pursued by some geopolitical actors. One of the key contributions of the paper lies in the introduction of emerging terms into the international political discourse – namely, “geo-economic security” and “geo-economic warfare”. These concepts are highly topical and hold significance both for national political frameworks and for the academic community. The usage of such terminology is intended to extend beyond academic research, aiming to influence practical political decision-making as well, particularly through the analysis of regional security dynamics. In the context of China, geo-economic conflict manifests through various components, such as energy security, transit communication networking, trade wars, economic security, regionalism integration, etc. Moreover, the paper seeks to define content of geo-economic warfare strategy that corresponds to China’s strategic security document “White Paper” that defines its security and national interests based on three levels – national, regional and global. It is particularly noteworthy that this emerging concept of warfare is increasingly understood in relation to the pursuit and execution of politico-military strategies, economic objectives, and broader national interests. This evolving form of conflict reflects a more integrated approach to securing a nation’s strategic goals. is very often linked with regional security processes and notable, is vividly seen on case of the Black Sea Regional Security. The “Grain deal”, encroachment with “soft power” elements at the regional level to realize infrastructure geo-economic (building deep sea ports) and energy security projects. Moreover, attempt implementation of transnational transit special projects linked with geo-economic warfare strategy with involvement military instruments are in capability of the interests of the great powers, like the USA and China. The research is based on qualitative methods – content analysis and Case-study ones that makes the problem research more nuance and oriented on deep scrutiny attempt the sphere that is very new and unknown.
READINESS 2030 – A NEW CHALLENGE FOR THE CONCEPT OF EUROPEAN DEFENCE
READINESS 2030 – A NEW CHALLENGE FOR THE CONCEPT OF EUROPEAN DEFENCE
(READINESS 2030 – A NEW CHALLENGE FOR THE CONCEPT OF EUROPEAN DEFENCE)
- Author(s):Radu CARP
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense
- Page Range:37-42
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:safeguard clause; budget deficit; fragmentation; defence industry; planning; Readiness 2030.
- Summary/Abstract:In March 2025, the European Commission announced the adoption of measures to relaunch the defense industry at European level, amid the disengagement of the US armed forces from the European continent announced by the Trump Administration - Readiness 2030. The main idea of this plan is to allocate 800 billion euros to the defence industry of the member states, while 150 billion euros can be allocated through amounts allocated by the EU, and the rest through loans from EU member states that can exceed the 3% of GDP deficit limit for this purpose. Readiness 2030 is a plan to strengthen European defense, but it does not envision measures that would fundamentally alter the current landscape in the field. The reason is that it is based exclusively on the increase in the national appetite for defense spending and very little, almost not at all, on common spending at European level. Such an approach would not even have been possible; defense remains a royal domain of the EU member states. The possibility of the emergence of a European Defense Mechanism (EDM) is currently being discussed, through which joint acquisitions could be made and especially a strategic planning of the needs in terms of military endowment.
STATE AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION ON THE MAP OF GLOBAL POLITICS: DJIBOUTI
STATE AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION ON THE MAP OF GLOBAL POLITICS: DJIBOUTI
(STATE AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION ON THE MAP OF GLOBAL POLITICS: DJIBOUTI)
- Author(s):Ioana LEUCEA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:43-50
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:state; identity; construction; geopolitics; instability; Djibouti; great powers.
- Summary/Abstract:The article intends to reveal and analyse a country, Djibouti, from the perspective of state and identity construction on the global political map. The lenses we use to discuss the internal political dynamics of Djibouti reflect the constructivist approach of international politics, as well as the realist school of thought, emphasizing the rhetorical strategies and identitarian politics employed for state and identity building, meanwhile accomplishing political ends of the great powers and legitimizing their control over geostrategic positions.Djibouti holds no record pertaining to the number of coups d’état the African countries have experienced during the post-Cold War period and the explanation we intend to uphold for such a record of “internal political stability” accounts to the big picture of global politics: the confrontation between the great powers which influences the internal socio – political dynamics within a country whose geopolitical and geostrategic position concentrates a lot of goals in dispute.
THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION VERSUS TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION VERSUS TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
(THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION VERSUS TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY)
- Author(s):Gabriel MICU
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:51-60
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:self-determination; state territory; political power; sovereignty.
- Summary/Abstract:The end of the First World War also marked the beginning of a new world order, which implemented new concepts and rules of conduct between relevant actors in international relations. The nation-state would become the most relevant subject of international law, around which the entire international architecture was subsequently built. The Wilsonian principles outlined the political and legal context in which new states were to be formed, on the ruins of former empires, through which the nations of the world were recognized as having the right to sovereignty, as representing the final point of their struggle for self-determination, for the establishment of a geographical space in which they could decide their own destiny. In this way, an interdependence was achieved between the concept of a nation and its territory of self-determination. In this study, we propose to analyze the main aspects of the concepts of self-determination and the territory on which it is exercised, as well as some aspects that may create confusion and/or toxic theories for international peace and security.
SECURING CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN A VOLATILE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT: THE ROLE OF HYDROPOWER IN ROMANIA’S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE
SECURING CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN A VOLATILE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT: THE ROLE OF HYDROPOWER IN ROMANIA’S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE
(SECURING CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE IN A VOLATILE STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT: THE ROLE OF HYDROPOWER IN ROMANIA’S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE)
- Author(s):Ioan-Horia TARA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Environmental and Energy policy, Security and defense
- Page Range:61-66
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:critical energy infrastructure; energy resilience; hydropower refurbishment; black start capability; energy security; grid stability; Romania’s energy system.
- Summary/Abstract:In the context of hybrid threats and volatile energy markets, securing national infrastructure has become integral to international security policy. This article examines the strategic function of hydropower in Romania, arguing that it serves not only as a stable, dispatchable energy source but also as a structural pillar of national resilience – capable of delivering autonomous, grid-forming capacity during crises.Drawing on the European Union’s REPowerEU strategy, the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, and Romania’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the analysis demonstrates how the refurbishment of key hydropower facilities such as Vidraru, Lotru-Ciunget, and Stejaru-Bicaz directly contributes to the physical and cyber resilience of the national energy system. The article further contextualizes this argument through the 2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout case study, highlighting the decisive role of hydropower in grid restoration and civil protection.Through a multi-disciplinary lens combining energy policy, defense studies, and infrastructure security, the article presents the view that investments in hydropower modernization are no longer merely technical or environmental in nature but increasingly represent strategic acts of national resilience. As Romania assumes a more prominent role in the regional energy architecture of South-Eastern Europe, hydropower refurbishment emerges as a credible and underutilized tool of forward-looking security policy.
RIYADH ON THE RIM: SAUDI ARABIA’S STRATEGIC ASCENT IN THE BLACK SEA ARENA
RIYADH ON THE RIM: SAUDI ARABIA’S STRATEGIC ASCENT IN THE BLACK SEA ARENA
(RIYADH ON THE RIM: SAUDI ARABIA’S STRATEGIC ASCENT IN THE BLACK SEA ARENA)
- Author(s):Irina TSUKERMAN
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Security and defense
- Page Range:67-82
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Black Sea; Saudi Arabia; Vision 2030; Energy Security; Post-Conflict Reconstruction; Strategic Infrastructure; Caucasus; Vital Trade Corridor.
- Summary/Abstract:Saudi Arabia’s growing engagement in the Black Sea region marks a striking shift in the regional balance of power, extending Riyadh’s geopolitical reach beyond its traditional Gulf stronghold. Leveraging its financial clout and energy diplomacy, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in critical infrastructure, ports, and energy projects across states like Romania, Bulgaria, and even in post-conflict reconstruction ventures tied to the Caucasus. This proactive posture aligns with Riyadh’s broader Vision 2030 goals, diversifying partnerships while subtly countering Iranian and Turkish influence. Simultaneously, it offers Black Sea states an alternative to Russian or Chinese economic entanglement. However, this strategic deepening also invites friction, as Saudi interests increasingly intersect with NATO priorities, EU regulations, and great power competition. As Riyadh plants its flag along the Black Sea rim, the region must reckon with a new external actor whose moves could reshape both energy security and regional alliances in the years ahead.
FORTRESS IN THE FOG: COUNTERING HYBRID WAR IN THE BLACK SEA BATTLEGROUND
FORTRESS IN THE FOG: COUNTERING HYBRID WAR IN THE BLACK SEA BATTLEGROUND
(FORTRESS IN THE FOG: COUNTERING HYBRID WAR IN THE BLACK SEA BATTLEGROUND)
- Author(s):Irina TSUKERMAN
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Communication studies, Security and defense, Military policy, Hybrid Warfare
- Page Range:83-96
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Black Sea; hybrid warfare; cyber resilience; disinformation; counterintelligence; civil-military fusion; gray zone conflicts; NATO deterrence.
- Summary/Abstract:The Black Sea region stands as a volatile theater for Russian-backed hybrid warfare and proxy-driven terrorism. As traditional defense mechanisms prove insufficient against disinformation, cyberattacks, and covert militia operations, regional actors must adopt a specialized, multi-dimensional infrastructure to counter this asymmetric threat. This paper explores the prospects for developing an integrated security framework that combines digital resilience, counter-intelligence coordination, and civilian-military fusion. Amid political divisions—ranging from contested sovereignty to energy rivalries – this approach aims to overcome fragmentation by fostering interoperable early-warning systems, regional information-sharing hubs, and legally agile defense postures. The goal is not merely to repel aggression, but to inoculate vulnerable societies against strategic subversion. A tailored Black Sea model of hybrid threat deterrence could serve as a blueprint for other conflict-prone zones, provided it is grounded in political will, trust-building, and adaptive engagement with both NATO and non-NATO actors across the region.
ECHO CHAMBERS AND FILTER BUBBLES IN THE DIGITAL BATTLEFIELD: MECHANISMS OF PRO-RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA (2022-2024)
ECHO CHAMBERS AND FILTER BUBBLES IN THE DIGITAL BATTLEFIELD: MECHANISMS OF PRO-RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA (2022-2024)
(ECHO CHAMBERS AND FILTER BUBBLES IN THE DIGITAL BATTLEFIELD: MECHANISMS OF PRO-RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA (2022-2024))
- Author(s):Rafał ROMAŃSKI
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Communication studies, Fake News - Disinformation, Hybrid Warfare
- Page Range:97-109
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:echo chambers; filter bubbles; disinformation; hybrid warfare; algorithmic personalization; cognitive bias;
- Summary/Abstract:This article analyzes the mechanisms of disinformation dissemination on social media through the lens of echo chambers and filter bubbles. Particular attention is devoted to pro-Russian narratives circulating in the digital sphere between February 2022 and December 2024, within the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The study is based on a systematic review of scholarly literature and expert reports on the informational architecture of digital platforms, as well as the psychological and social mechanisms conducive to informational isolation. The analysis encompasses four platforms with varied structural configurations: Facebook, VKontakte, Reddit, and 4chan. Each of these platforms reveals distinct manifestations of echo chambers and filter bubbles, alongside specific patterns of disinformation narratives. Findings indicate that both algorithmic recommendation systems and community dynamics contribute to the formation of informational environments that foster polarization and reinforce manipulative content. The article emphasizes the synergistic interaction of technological and psychological factors that amplify users’ vulnerability to disinformation. On this basis, conclusions are drawn regarding the necessity of strengthening informational resilience, developing media literacy, and critically re-evaluating the role of social media platforms as actors in contemporary cognitive conflicts.
