PROCEEDINGS STRATEGIES XXI INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE THE COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC NATURE OF THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT 22nd Edition
PROCEEDINGS STRATEGIES XXI INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE THE COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC NATURE OF THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT 22nd Edition
Contributor(s): Florian Cîrciumaru (Editor), Alexandra SARCINSCHI (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
ISSN: 2668-6511
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: security; defence; contemporary warfare; cognitive resilience;
Summary/Abstract: CONTEMPORARY WARFARE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY; STATE AND NONSTATE ACTORS IN POWER RELATIONS; GLOBAL AND REGIONAL TRENDS
Series: STRATEGII - Sesiunea de Comunicări Științifice
- Page Count: 174
- Publication Year: 2026
- Language: English
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFRASTRUCTURE DESTRUCTION IN THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR AND ITS IMPACT ON STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFRASTRUCTURE DESTRUCTION IN THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR AND ITS IMPACT ON STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
(THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFRASTRUCTURE DESTRUCTION IN THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR AND ITS IMPACT ON STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING)
- Author(s):Artsrun HOVHANNISYAN
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:9-18
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:air supremacy; drone warfare; mass strike operations; military decision-making; combined strike operations; sixth generation warfare.
- Summary/Abstract:The author examines one of the key innovations of the Russo-Ukrainian war – the launching of massive airstrikes – in an attempt to determine the impact of damage to territorial infrastructure on state strategies and the future of warfare. The ratio of modern airstrikes to their deployment is determined primarily by economic considerations. Although the Ukrainian strikes were carried out using relatively inexpensive systems primarily unmanned aerial vehicles – they reached even the most remote Russian bases and oil terminals, causing colossal damage to the Russian economy. Small drones, supported by artificial intelligence, are deployed in large numbers before the strike, creating a distributed air presence. This approach to sequential countermeasures is expected to become more widespread in the future, as it represents one of the most effective ways to maintain air superiority. Based on an analysis of data from various sources, a number of conclusions are drawn, arguing that the West as a whole continues to fund Ukraine – perhaps not fully, but nevertheless sufficiently and sustainably.
NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR
(NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSO-UKRAINIAN WAR)
- Author(s):Mihai ZODIAN
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:19-25
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:nuclear safety; deterrence; compellence; nuclear weapons; nuclear proliferation; security regimes.
- Summary/Abstract:The Russian aggression against Ukraine resurrected old nuclear fears from their grave. This is an understandable and somehow unavoidable effect, yet a thorough study of nuclear weapons and the interaction that they enable is important, allowing decision-makers and the public to avoid costly mistakes. This paper is designed as an essay about nuclear weapons, alongside strategic relations as a context for the Russo-Ukrainian War, focusing on nuclear safety, coercive diplomacy and security regimes. The main conclusions are that the risk of accidents remains, the fear of escalation is not always effective as a foreign policy tool, and that international institutions have seriously been weakened.
FROM POST-COLD WAR INTERDEPENDENCE TO STRATEGIC DECOUPLING: REDUCING THE EU’S DEPENDENCE ON ENERGY RESOURCES FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (2022-2025)
FROM POST-COLD WAR INTERDEPENDENCE TO STRATEGIC DECOUPLING:
REDUCING THE EU’S DEPENDENCE ON ENERGY RESOURCES FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (2022-2025)
(FROM POST-COLD WAR INTERDEPENDENCE TO STRATEGIC DECOUPLING:
REDUCING THE EU’S DEPENDENCE ON ENERGY RESOURCES FROM THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (2022-2025))
- Author(s):Aurel LAZĂR
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:26-37
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:energy security; dependence; REPowerEU; resilience; Russian Federation; natural gas.
- Summary/Abstract:This article examines, through the lens of energy security understood as resilience, the European Union’s accelerated decoupling from Russian energy resources between 2022 and 2025, against the backdrop of energy’s transformation from a largely economic commodity into a geopolitical instrument in post-Cold War Europe. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 catalysed a strategic rupture with the interdependence paradigm consolidated over previous decades, prompting the EU to adopt REPowerEU, mandatory storage and coordinated demand-reduction measures, and successive sanctions packages. Empirically, EU imports of Russian gas declined, aggregate gas demand fell over 2021-2024, and Russia’s share of EU crude oil imports dropped sharply. The case studies (Germany; Poland and the Lithuania; Italy; and South-Eastern Europe, including Romania) highlight divergent national pathways, while the risk assessment section addresses persistent dependencies (Hungary and Slovakia) and the challenge of circumvention via intermediaries, swaps, and hub-based transactions.
PROMOTING STRATEGIC THINKING AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SECURITY
PROMOTING STRATEGIC THINKING AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SECURITY
(PROMOTING STRATEGIC THINKING AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SECURITY)
- Author(s):Lucian Valeriu SCIPANOV, Bogdan Daniel IOSIF
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:38-47
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:regional security; strategic thinking; soft capability; leadership; resilience.
- Summary/Abstract:The paper draws the attention of military leaders to their role in contributing to the strengthening of regional security. The authors identify the need to develop the strategic thinking of future military leaders in the context of the geopolitical, technological, and social transformations shaping the regional security environment, with the aim of fostering a school of thought adapted to these changes. Against the backdrop of an increasingly unstable security environment and emerging challenges, such as security risks and hybrid threats, the necessity of shaping resilient military leader profiles becomes evident, capable of thinking and acting strategically from the earliest levels of command. The study includes an analysis of the regional security environment and examines ways to promote critical thinking based on leadership models advanced by the Black Sea littoral actors, in order to formulate recommendations for the effective integration of strategic thinking into the military system of continuing education, thereby contributing to the development of future military leaders.
COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AS A STRATEGIC ASSET IN CONTEMPORARY WARFARE: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS
COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AS A STRATEGIC ASSET IN CONTEMPORARY WARFARE: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS
(COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AS A STRATEGIC ASSET IN CONTEMPORARY WARFARE: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS)
- Author(s):Ruslana GROSU, Cătălin-Victor POPESCU
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:48-61
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:cognitive resilience; cognitive security; hybrid warfare; information warfare; strategic adaptability; security culture.
- Summary/Abstract:Contemporary warfare is increasingly shaped by cognitive dynamics that influence perception, decision-making, and strategic behaviour across state and non-state actors. While traditional security studies have emphasised kinetic capabilities and material resources, less attention has been paid to cognitive resilience as a strategic asset in modern conflict environments. This paper advances a conceptual and analytical framework that positions cognitive resilience as a core component of contemporary security and warfare. Building on interdisciplinary literature, the paper clarifies the concept of cognitive resilience and differentiates it from adjacent constructs. The analysis situates cognitive resilience within contemporary warfare environments characterised by hybrid conflict and prolonged strategic competition. It demonstrates how cognitive vulnerabilities such as rigidity, cognitive overload, and susceptibility to disinformation can undermine strategic effectiveness even in technologically advanced actors. The paper further conceptualises cognitive resilience as a strategic asset by linking it to security culture and leadership, proposing an analytical framework outlining key dimensions of cognitive resilience and their relevance for defence policy, military education, and security governance. By doing so, the paper contributes to ongoing debates on cognitive security and offers a theoretically grounded foundation for future empirical and comparative research. Overall, the study positions cognitive resilience as a critical yet under-theorised pillar of international security in contemporary warfare contexts across evolving conflict domains.
SHAPING MINDS FOR SECURITY: COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AND THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN ROMANIA
SHAPING MINDS FOR SECURITY: COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AND THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN ROMANIA
(SHAPING MINDS FOR SECURITY: COGNITIVE RESILIENCE AND THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN ROMANIA)
- Author(s):Raluca LUȚAI, Marius GRAD
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:62-75
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:cognitive resilience; education; Romania; security studies; undergraduate programs.
- Summary/Abstract:In the context of hybrid threats, information warfare, and increasing societal polarisation, cognitive resilience has become a critical dimension of national and societal security. This paper explores the role of university-level security studies programs in building cognitive resilience, with a focused case study on Romania. It argues that higher education institutions, particularly those delivering security and defence-related curricula, function not only as professional training environments but also as strategic actors in strengthening society’s resistance to disinformation, manipulation, and hostile influence. The study analyses how cognitive resilience is reflected in the structure, content, and learning outcomes of selected Romanian academic programs in security studies, international relations, and defence education. Using qualitative content analysis of curricula, course descriptions, and institutional mission statements, the research identifies the extent to which these programs address critical thinking, media and information literacy, understanding of hybrid threats, strategic communication, and democratic values. Particular attention is paid to the integration of interdisciplinary approaches that connect security studies with education sciences, psychology, communication, and information technology. The findings suggest that while Romanian university programs increasingly incorporate elements related to information security and hybrid threats, cognitive resilience is often addressed indirectly rather than as an explicit educational objective. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for integrating cognitive resilience more systematically into security-related higher education.
MANUFACTURING THREAT AND FRIENDSHIP: NORTH KOREAN STATE MEDIA AND THE EMERGENCE OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSSIA
MANUFACTURING THREAT AND FRIENDSHIP: NORTH KOREAN STATE MEDIA AND THE EMERGENCE OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSSIA
(MANUFACTURING THREAT AND FRIENDSHIP: NORTH KOREAN STATE MEDIA AND THE EMERGENCE OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSSIA)
- Author(s):Jana CHAMROVA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:79-88
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:North Korea; Russia; state media; strategic partnership; polarization; security discourse.
- Summary/Abstract:This paper examines how North Korean state media has reflected and discursively constructed the deepening relationship between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine. While public debate often emphasises material cooperation, this study argues that DPRK media provides evidence of a gradual, strategic alignment, built through narrative cues, historical analogies and ideological framing that present Russia as a principled partner confronting the West. Using a constructed four-week sample of Korean-language articles from 2015 and 2025, this research combines qualitative content analysis with critical discourse and narrative analysis to trace how Russia’s function in DPRK discourse shifts from relatively routinized “friendship” to a more central role as legitimating authority, moral ally and counter-hegemonic pole. The findings suggest that North Korean media is not merely reporting cooperation but actively stabilising a worldview in which DPRK–Russia partnership belongs to a polarised international order.
STRATEGIC BALANCING IN TRANSITION: REASSESSING ARMENIA’S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY PARADIGM
STRATEGIC BALANCING IN TRANSITION: REASSESSING ARMENIA’S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY PARADIGM
(STRATEGIC BALANCING IN TRANSITION: REASSESSING ARMENIA’S FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY PARADIGM)
- Author(s):Rafik AVETISYAN, Tigran KOCHARYAN
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:89-98
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Armenia; foreign and security policy; strategic diversification; small-state balancing; South Caucasus.
- Summary/Abstract:This article examines the transformation of Armenia’s foreign and security policy in the context of the post-2020 regional order in the South Caucasus. It argues that Armenia is transitioning from a model of single-patron security dependence toward a strategy of diversification, driven by the erosion of alliance reliability and growing asymmetric threats. The study demonstrates that this shift represents a structural adaptation rather than an ideological realignment, as Armenia seeks to expand its strategic autonomy without fully abandoning existing institutional ties. Using neorealist balance-of-power theory and small-state behavior literature as its theoretical framework, the article employs qualitative case-study analysis, process tracing, and document analysis covering the period 2020–2025. The findings highlight both the opportunities created by diversified partnerships and the constraints imposed by continued economic dependence and regional isolation. The article’s originality lies in conceptualising Armenia’s policy change as adaptive balancing under constraint, offering analytical utility for understanding smallstate strategies in volatile security environments
THE BLACK SEA REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF FOUR YEARS OF WAR IN UKRAINE. THE GAME OF CHESS BETWEEN NATO, EU, RUSSIA, AND OTHER RELEVANT ACTORS
THE BLACK SEA REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF FOUR YEARS OF WAR IN UKRAINE.
THE GAME OF CHESS BETWEEN NATO, EU, RUSSIA, AND OTHER RELEVANT ACTORS
(THE BLACK SEA REGION IN THE CONTEXT OF FOUR YEARS OF WAR IN UKRAINE.
THE GAME OF CHESS BETWEEN NATO, EU, RUSSIA, AND OTHER RELEVANT ACTORS)
- Author(s):Daniela Lică, Ana-Maria FLOREA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:99-113
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Black Sea Region (BSR); diplomacy during wartime; defence strategy; hybrid warfare; NATO-EU strategic cooperation; strategic engagement.
- Summary/Abstract:The paper examines aspects related to the Black Sea Region (BSR) security environment in the context of four years of ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including most recent advances up to March 2026. The region is seen as a strategic chessboard shaped by intensifying great-power rivalry, divergent dynamics within the Alliance and the EU and the expanding use of hybrid threats. The paper aims to discuss the posture of concerned actors on the chessboard as it results from strategic documents and position statements that make up StratCom; the relation among them is also approached in the light of recent developments as a result of the regime change in the USA, for instance. And last but not least, narrative coherence is approached, bringing into attention issues such as coordination and synchronisation. All these are seen as key indicators of diplomacy during wartime. Using offensive Realism and alliance theories, as well as qualitative analysis of strategic documents, defence procurement data, and mass-media articles presenting key StratCom messages, the study argues that NATO and the EU operate as complementary but asymmetrical players whose sometimes divergent strategies determine the operational landscape and regional balance of power. Particular attention is given to the role of Romania, positioned as a frontier country for NATO’s Eastern Flank. Written from the perspective of a NATO and EU member, the paper concludes that a resolution of the conflict and the achievement of effective stability require coherent multi-domain responses, alongside enhanced cooperation and aligned Euro-Atlantic strategic planning and actions.
ROMANIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY BETWEEN THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE USA AND THE EU STRATEGIC AGENDA
ROMANIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY BETWEEN THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE USA AND THE EU STRATEGIC AGENDA
(ROMANIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY BETWEEN THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH THE USA AND THE EU STRATEGIC AGENDA)
- Author(s):Sinziana IANCU
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:114-120
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:conflict; Ukraine; Russian Federation; EU Agenda; U.S. Strategic Partnership.
- Summary/Abstract:The paper analyses how Romania’s national security is influenced by the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America and the European Union’s Strategic Agenda for the 2024-2029 period. In an international context marked by insecurity and accelerated geopolitical shifts, Romania holds a key position on the eastern border of the Euro-Atlantic space. The study explores the main directions of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the points of convergence and divergence between the two strategic frameworks, as well as the future courses of action for the Romanian state. The conclusion highlights the need for a coherent strategy capable of leveraging the complementarity of these two main pillars of national security.
VOLUNTARY RESERVE AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SOCIAL COHESION AND EXTENDED NATIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE BLACK SEA REGION
VOLUNTARY RESERVE AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SOCIAL COHESION AND EXTENDED NATIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE BLACK SEA REGION
(VOLUNTARY RESERVE AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SOCIAL COHESION AND EXTENDED NATIONAL RESILIENCE IN THE BLACK SEA REGION)
- Author(s):Elena-Adriana BRUMARU
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:121-125
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Voluntary Reserve; Social cohesion; Civil Defence; Black Sea Security; Resilience; Law 5/2026; Hybrid Warfare; The whole society; NATO MC 0441/3.
- Summary/Abstract:In the contemporary security environment of the Black Sea region, characterised by extreme volatility, hybrid warfare and the persistent threat of a high-intensity conflict, the traditional paradigms of national defence are undergoing a fundamental transformation. As the Euro-Atlantic community navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of 2026, the concept of resilience has gone beyond military reinforcement to adopt a comprehensive “Whole-of-Society” approach. This article provides an exhaustive analysis of the voluntary reserve as an essential tool for promoting social cohesion and improving Extended National Resilience capabilities. Anchored in the legislative progress of Law no. 5/2026 of Romania and aligned with the strategic imperatives of NATO’s policy MC 0441/3 and the European Union Strategy for Preparedness, the research argues that a modernised voluntary reserve serves as a critical link between the armed forces and the civilian population. Through a multidimensional examination of threat vectors - from cognitive subversion to critical infrastructure sabotage - and a comparative analysis of reserve models in Ukraine, Turkey, and Bulgaria, this report demonstrates that voluntary reserve is not just a force multiplier for combat operations, but a strategic necessity for democratic stability. By transforming citizens from passive consumers of security into active producers of defence, the voluntary reserve mitigates the vulnerabilities of societal polarisation and infrastructural fragility, thereby strengthening the “Extended National Resilience” (also known in NATO terminology as “multi-layered resilience”) needed to withstand the systemic shocks of the 21st century.
THE IMPACT OF AN ARMED CONFLICT ON CHILDREN
THE IMPACT OF AN ARMED CONFLICT ON CHILDREN
(THE IMPACT OF AN ARMED CONFLICT ON CHILDREN)
- Author(s):Marius Gabriel BOBOCEA
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:129-135
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:children; armed conflict; UN; HRMU; UNHCR.
- Summary/Abstract:The paper analyses the impact of armed conflicts, explicitly on children. Methodologically, the research is based on a qualitative case study approach, using documentary analysis of UN and UNHCR reports, resolutions and statements from international organisations, as well as the international and regional press information. The results of the analysis show the impact of an armed conflict on children, affecting their development and childhood. The paper shows the psychological consequences derived from the number of casualties and lack of provisions, such as medicine and food, and from the impact of displacement.
SMART INFRASTRUCTURE, SMART DEFENCE: DIGITAL TWINS AND PREDICTIVE MONITORING FOR RESILIENCE
SMART INFRASTRUCTURE, SMART DEFENCE: DIGITAL TWINS AND PREDICTIVE MONITORING FOR RESILIENCE
(SMART INFRASTRUCTURE, SMART DEFENCE: DIGITAL TWINS AND PREDICTIVE MONITORING FOR RESILIENCE)
- Author(s):Maria Niamh BRATCOVICI
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:136-143
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:smart infrastructure; digital twin technology; predictive monitoring; critical infrastructure resilience, data-driven defence; artificial intelligence in security.
- Summary/Abstract:The increasing digitalisation of civil and defence infrastructure is reshaping how resilience is conceived and maintained in contemporary security environments. This paper investigates how digital twin technology and predictive monitoring systems enhance the operational stability of critical assets such as bridges, energy facilities, and transport networks. Using a theoretical and comparative approach, it examines the integration of satellite imagery, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence for real-time assessment, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance. The study argues that the adoption of digital twins transforms resilience from a static, reactive process into a dynamic, data-driven capability. It demonstrates the strategic utility of smart infrastructure in defence planning and crisis management, proposing that predictive analytics and interdisciplinary collaboration can significantly strengthen national and allied resilience frameworks.
SECURING THE BLACK BOX: A TECHNO-DIPLOMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR AI INTEGRATION IN MODERN DEFENCE ALLIANCES
SECURING THE BLACK BOX: A TECHNO-DIPLOMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR AI INTEGRATION IN MODERN DEFENCE ALLIANCES
(SECURING THE BLACK BOX: A TECHNO-DIPLOMATIC FRAMEWORK FOR AI INTEGRATION IN MODERN DEFENCE ALLIANCES)
- Author(s):Dumitru Catalin Vasile
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:144-153
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Techno-diplomacy; Artificial Intelligence; Interoperability; Black Box Problem; Federated Learning; NATO.
- Summary/Abstract:Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into modern defence alliances creates a serious trust issue: the “black box” problem. When algorithms are opaque, they undermine the inter-state trust that coalitions need to operate effectively. This paper examines the conflict between strict national data sovereignty and operational demands for shared intelligence. Using a qualitative approach that draws on recent developments from NATO’s DIANA initiative and AUKUS Pillar 2, I propose a “Techno-Diplomatic Framework”. The study argues that traditional hardware standards are insufficient for managing probabilistic machine learning. Instead, it suggests a governance model that utilises Privacy-Enhancing Technologies, specifically Federated Learning and Confidential Computing, as diplomatic enablers. By harmonising technical tools with normative alignment, alliances can achieve “cognitive interoperability”. This approach allows nations to collaborate on sensitive training without exposing sovereign data, effectively transforming the black box from a vulnerability into a secured asset for collective defence.
TWO PARADIGMS OF ALGORITHMIC SECURITY GOVERNANCE: CENTRALISED INTEGRATION AND INTEROPERABLE FRAMEWORKS IN THE USE OF AI FOR STATE SECURITY
TWO PARADIGMS OF ALGORITHMIC SECURITY GOVERNANCE: CENTRALISED INTEGRATION AND INTEROPERABLE FRAMEWORKS IN THE USE OF AI FOR STATE SECURITY
(TWO PARADIGMS OF ALGORITHMIC SECURITY GOVERNANCE: CENTRALISED INTEGRATION AND INTEROPERABLE FRAMEWORKS IN THE USE OF AI FOR STATE SECURITY)
- Author(s):Mara-Mihaela MEREANU
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:154-159
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Artificial intelligence; counterterrorism; digital surveillance; large language models; national security.
- Summary/Abstract:Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role in counterterrorism by enabling the rapid processing of large volumes of data and the identification of patterns, anomalous behaviours, and emerging risks. This article examines two paradigms of algorithmic security: the centralised Chinese model and the decentralised, interoperable Israeli model. Adopting a comparative and primarily descriptive approach, the study draws on academic literature, policy documents, and native authors to analyse how AI is embedded within different institutional architectures A brief case study of the 2019 Hong Kong protests examines how predictive technologies were deployed in an urban context officially framed as a matter of security and public order. The analysis shows that the strategic impact of AI depends less on technological sophistication alone and more on governance structures, institutional coordination, and legal frameworks. The study also acknowledges limitations related to restricted data access and the evolving nature of AI-driven security systems.
THE RISE OF NAVAL DRONES AND THE REDEFINITION OF THE MARITIME BATTLESPACE
THE RISE OF NAVAL DRONES AND THE REDEFINITION OF THE MARITIME BATTLESPACE
(THE RISE OF NAVAL DRONES AND THE REDEFINITION OF THE MARITIME BATTLESPACE)
- Author(s):Adrian NIȚĂ
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Security and defense, Military policy, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Page Range:160-171
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:naval drones; unmanned surface vessels (USV); Black Sea conflict; asymmetric warfare; maritime defence; Neptun Deep; autonomous defence architecture.
- Summary/Abstract:Throughout the last century, naval power has relied on capital ships requiring years of design and billions in investment. This paradigm now faces unprecedented pressure from Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), commonly known as naval drones. The present paper aims to analyse how naval drones redefine the maritime battlespace in semi-enclosed seas and to derive implications for Romania’s resilience in the Black Sea. The main objectives are: to trace the historical cycles of technological disruption in naval warfare, to examine the Black Sea as a live laboratory of naval drone employment, to extract lessons for similar theatres such as the Baltic Sea and the Taiwan Strait, and to develop a three-layer defence architecture for protecting critical maritime infrastructure such as the Neptun Deep project. Methodologically, the paper combines historical-comparative analysis, case studies (Ukraine, Baltic Sea, Taiwan), and doctrinal/strategic document review, integrated through a resilience-oriented analytical lens. The novelty of the study lies in linking operational-tactical drone employment with a concrete and scalable defence proposal for a NATO/EU coastal state whose Exclusive Economic Zone is outside the formal guarantees of Article 5. The expected outcome is a conceptual model of autonomous, multi-layered defence that can inform both Romanian and allied approaches to security in the Black Sea.
