Between Humanitarian Aid and Colonialism - The Case Study of French (Non) Intervention in Iraq and Mali.

Between Humanitarian Aid and Colonialism - The Case Study of French (Non) Intervention in Iraq and Mali.

Author(s): Emin Eminagić,Viktoria Potapkina / Language(s): English

This paper is designed as a comparative case study of France’s (non) involvement in two regions – Iraq in 2003 and Mali in 2013. The time frame of ten years allows for a retrospective analysis of the possible decisions influencing French politicians to make the decision to not intervene in Iraq. The case of Mali is a rather new event and thus requires immediate attention to understand the underlying reasons for military action. Such a case study presents an intriguing opportunity for comparison. In regard to the case of the intervention in Iraq, France had immediate economic interests in the country, however, it, to this day, remains the most vocal opponent of the intervention, regardless of the fact that a large number of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members participated in one way or another in the Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the case of Mali, France does not have any apparent economic interests in the region; however, it is the only NATO state carrying out the military operation in the country unilaterally as of writing of this paper. However, it is not our intention to provide definitive answers on certain points of involvement and non-intervention, nor mark processes, but rather to provide a grassroot analysis on the case study of Mali that would potentially best explain particular aspects of theoretical implications. With the aim of presenting and analyzing two different choices of French foreign policy, this paper will make use of the tools of comparative analysis in order to construct an interpretivist case study. Academic books and articles, direct speeches of involved politicians, various economic statistical data, opinion polls, as well as United Nations (UN) Reports will be used in the analysis. It will look at theoretical ramifications as well as empirical data from relevant research institutions, using data gathered from United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reports regarding peace building in post-conflict zones as an initial starting point.

Draft Report on the Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector in BiH for 2012.

Draft Report on the Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector in BiH for 2012.

Author(s): Denis Hadžović,Mirela Hodović / Language(s): English

Keywords: parliamentary control of security sector; parliament and executive structures; security budget; supervision of security sector;

Parliamentary oversight of the security sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in spite of its evident headway in employing oversight functions, has not yet achieved its full capacity. For the purpose of this project, the Centre for Security Studies has prepared a Report draft aimed at providing an assessment work efficiency of the parliamentary committees. This report seeks to address the issue of fulfilling the key-responsibilities in the democratic oversight of the security sector in the year 2012. The objective of this research is to determine the improvement of the overall quality and efficiency in implementing parliamentary oversight of the security sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This segment of civil society involvement is important for achieving greater accountability and transparency of defense and security institutions over which Parliamentary Committees maintain oversight, consistent with positive legislation. This research has thrown up many questions in need of further investigation. Further work needs to be done to establish a more comprehensive discussion amongst the members of Parliamentary Committees and representatives of defense and security institutions, in particular on the need of structural planning and implementing a more efficient parliamentary oversight of the security sector in the upcoming period.

Economic Bilateral Relations between Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina

Economic Bilateral Relations between Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina

Author(s): Ozum Iseri / Language(s): English

Keywords: Turkey and Bosnia and Hercegovina;

There have been considerable changes in Turkey’s foreign policy since 2002. Indeed, current Turkish Foreign Minister and former foreign policy advisor of Prime Minister Recep T. Erdogan, Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu’s Strategic Depth doctrine which considers Turkey’s strategic foreign policy on the basis of geographical and historical depth (referring Ottoman Empire) gives a framework for the Turkish foreign policy. Indeed, Davutoglu names 5 principles regarding Turkish foreign policy. They are; the balance between security and democracy; zero problems towards neighbors; proactive and pre-emptive peace diplomacy; a multi-dimensional foreign policy, and lastly rhythmic diplomacy2 . In fact, the doctrine and these principles demonstrate the logic behind the Turkish endeavors in the Southeast Europe (SEE) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Foreign and Economic Policy -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Foreign and Economic Policy -

Author(s): Bisera Turković,Milovan Blagojević,Hansjorg Kretschmer,István Gyarmati,Željko Bilbija,Mijo Anić,Jadranko Prlić / Language(s): English

Keywords: international relations; foreign policy; BiH; security; roundtable;

Today’s round-table is a continuation of the work on the project of a state-level security policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Centre for Security Studies wishes to give its own contribution to the development of this important theme, considering that there exists no country that can afford to be without a security policy. In considering that the time has come for Bosnia and Herzegovina when there needs to be an open discussion, the Centre for Security Studies has decided, through a seminar an a couple of round-tables, to initiate an open and structured discussion, which would contribute through an exchange of views, to approach and discover responses to the security threats that we and the world in which we live is currently faced with. The day before yesterday, we were witness to one of the security problems that has arisen and from which nobody is safe, and that is terrorism. Unfortunately, terrorism is not somewhere very far away from us; it is a threat to us in this country as well. We naturally condemn it and express our sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of those who were killed. During the previous seminar, we spoke about the concept of security policy what is expected from such a document. What are the interests on which the security policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be based? What are the interests we wish to defend or promote? What are the priorities? What are the objectives that need to be created in the short and long term? The security policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to protect the citizens, peoples and state from foreign and internal threats of any kind, taking into consideration the level of security and level of guarantees that the global Euro-Atlantic and European security system can provide. During our last seminar, among other items we spoke about the aims of Bosnian integration into the Euro-Atlantic and European security environment, taking into account the risk factors that current jeopardise the security of this country. Considering that only mutual arrangements of the citizens and peoples of this country can achieve lasting results, to point to their real interests, the Centre for Security Studies decided to hold a round-table in September, October and November – to endeavour to discuss the founding elements of the security policy about which we have agreed.

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Intelligence Services -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Intelligence Services -

Author(s): Bisera Turković,Matthias Sonn,Nikola Špirić,Kalman Kocsis,Joy M. Wijnen Riems,Bogić Bogićević,Mirsad Abazović,Izet Žigić / Language(s): English

Keywords: round-table; BiH; security; policy; intelligence services;

I would like to greet you on behalf of the Centre for Security Studies, which today has organised this round-table. For your information, especially for those of who today are with us, the Centre for Security Studies has organised a project on the adoption of a statelevel security policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. We commenced with a seminar on this theme in July, and after this, we organised a round-table on two elements of the security policy – foreign policy and economic policy. Today's round-table is dedicated to the intelligence-security services, especially the intelligence-security service. I think that all shall agree that reform of the security system is essential for the political, social and economic policy of every country, as well as BiH. At the same time this is also an exceptionally sensitive political theme. Naturally, we do not think that this round-table will succeed to find a solution for the existing problems in this field, but we hope that we shall have an open discussion, a discussion with different positions and viewpoints; a discussion in which we shall be able to see the experiences of different countries and in which manner their intelligence service systems exist and cooperate, and on which conditions they are established. When speaking about Bosnia and Herzegovina, generally it is known that there exists opposing political views on this theme. I would not like to be judge of who is right, nor to advocate a specific viewpoint, because that is not the role of this Centre; however, allow me to direct your attention towards a number of essential issues, for which I hope this round-table nevertheless will be able to offer a response. The question is whether in Bosnia and Herzegovina we can, alongside the full appreciation of our constitutional framework, speak concerning the problems of the organization and activities of our system of intelligence services? We are speaking concerning the division of the different intelligence systems. Does there exist a system or systems that represent a guarantee for the citizens, peoples and country, or does this represent an element that jeopardizes peace and security? Does BiH generally need to establish a single security-intelligence system, and would this mean the establishment of that type of system without full political will? Would this mean that we shall have merely a formal unit at the top, and essentially ethnic components that would act as separate systems? Or would the establishment of a single intelligence security system be better even in this form than a completely separated system? Are today’s intelligence services seen as serious partners, for the exchange of information with other intelligence services, and what would generally be required in order for the security services to be accepted as a serious partner in the exchange of information? Do the existing structures in this country accept the current situation and organizations for negotiations for the exchange of information? What would be the orientation and tasks of a new single security system? Without the restructuring of the intelligence-security system, is it possible that BiH could be a bearer of further democratic processes? This question takes into consideration the globalization of threats, for which we can merely mention the terrorist act of 11 September, which sent a warning to all the democratic and peace-loving elements of the world that they must harmonize their efforts in safeguarding peace and security; and that is the priority that concerns the intelligence services of the democratic world. Are we and can we be a partner in further democratic development and democratic institutions with this type of system of intelligence services? These are only some of the issues, and I believe that you shall pose many others concerning the issues that we shall discuss here today. With prejudging what would be the correct response, I would ask all participants to make possible a very open discussion, in which to remove all positions that would be contradictory. Let us see what is the smallest possible denominator on which we can base a future solution. I would now ask the highly respected Ambassador Matthias Sonn, Deputy High Representative, to open this round-table.

Seminar on Security Policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, 16 - 17 July 2001

Seminar on Security Policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo, 16 - 17 July 2001

Author(s): . Miscellaneous / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; policy; security; seminar; Sarajevo; 2001;

Significant progress has been achieved since the signing the Dayton Peace Agreement. Today, peace and stability prevail throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina; co-operation between Bosnia’s three constituent communities - Bosniacs, Croats and Serbs - has been increasing; Bosnia’s war-damaged infrastructure has to a large extent been repaired; many of Bosnia’s refugees have returned to the homes they had occupied prior to the war, and; the country’s economy has been steadily returning back on course. Much, however, remains to be done in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to secure a peaceful and stable future for the country. One of the most pressing tasks that stand ahead is the establishment of a state security policy for the country.

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Internal Policy -

Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy - Internal Policy -

Author(s): Duško Vejnović,Bisera Turković,Živko Radišić,Dragan Kalinić,István Gyarmati,Marko Amidžić,Fedor Klamtchouk,Petar Kunić,Ramo Masleša,Dragomir Jovičić,Sejfudin Tokić,Rasim Kadić,Branislav Lolić,Tomislav Mihalj / Language(s): English

Keywords: security; policy BIH; elements; round-table; 2002;

It is a pleasure and honour for me to greet you in the name of the Centre for Geostrategic Research in Banja Luka and the Centre for Security Studies BiH. I especially welcome the Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Zivko Radisic, representatives and chairmen of parliaments, parliamentarians, representatives of international organizations, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and all others that have responded to the invitation for the Round-Table on Elements of the Security Policy – Internal Policy. The actual topic is the theme of the position, function and organization of the security of the state. These themes are real when we speak about the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a complex community of two entities and three constituent peoples. We expect from you to consider in an analytical, meaningful, practical and political manner, during the programme of work, the important and priority aspects of the sources of threats to stability in BiH, and then the modalities that protect that which was constituted by the Dayton Peace Agreement, and the expression of will and needs of the peoples that live in BiH. Certainly we expect that you shall completely openly discuss the issues of the state bodies – the police and military, the functioning and construction of the intelligence services; and parallel with this, the parliamentary democratic control of the state bodies. We expect that we shall discuss the foundation of fact; theoretically having in mind the historical approach how much is necessary that we shed light on the reality, that we offer a modern solution so that conflict in this country and between the peoples does not materialize.

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Author(s): Mariangela Fittipaldi / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; politics; security; reform; media; governance;

The Security Sector Reform (SSR) in BiH is proving to be a major step forward in the institutional building process. Although an ongoing development, it has recently been characterized by some important improvements, especially as far as the adoption of the new Defence Law is concerned. In order to foster changes towards security sector good governance, the role played by the main civil society sections in monitoring the reform is crucial. Thus, the forthcoming years will be particularly important with regard to the extent to which media, representatives of civil society, centres of research, and NGOs will be able to participate in the process and constantly monitor the changes in the security landscape of the country. In particular, media play a vital role in providing an essential link between civil society and government. This is even more necessary with regard to security, the supply of this public good being an essential pre-condition to economic and political development. When media are independent, regulated and developed, the effectiveness of the cited role is more likely to come into force. Consequently, the absence of these conditions would seriously impair the possibility for media to function like a «watchdog» with regard to decision-making and policies adopted. On the other hand, the model of good governance of the security sector assumes a wider participation of civil society in the evolution of the security sector. This implies that several efforts have to be undertaken in order to keep the public informed on security issues. Therefore, a full participation of media in the SSR process would contribute to make the international and local institutions in charge of defence and security matters accountable and transparent toward the public. This report analyses media's coverage of security issues in BiH. Through an assessment of the complex relationship between media and the security sector in the country, the openness of the security sector itself will be taken into account. The ultimate aim of this study is to evaluate the pace to a good governance of the security sector for BiH. The report will use two important guidelines for enquiries. On the one hand, the extent to which the security institutions in BiH are accountable, open and responsible to media will be evaluated. The issue will be considered of primary concern since a substantial part of the relation at stake depends on the structure of the security sector. The research will further focus on the extent to which media are open to security institutions and specialized in dealing with security issues, the obstacles to quality journalism and capacity to report on security-related issues being one of the central aspects of media relation to security. Finally, the report will be partly based on the theoretical model of security governance, which assumes an increasing interaction between media and the state. Although many changes have taken place in the organisation of the security sectors of the most advanced democracies, a full media involvement is far from being reached since the extent of participation is dependent on both structural and contingent limits entailing the model itself.

Security Sector Reform and Media in BiH - The Way Ahead to Security Sector Good Governance

Reforma sigurnosnog sektora i mediji u BiH - Put ka uspješnom upravljanju sigurnosnim sektorom

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; politics; security; reform; media; governance;

Reforma sigurnosnog sektora (RSS) predstavlja veliki korak naprijed u procesu institucionalne izgradnje. Trenutni razvoj okarakterisan je poboljšanjima, barem kada je riječ o usvajanju novog Zakona o odbrani. S ciljem usvajanja promjena koje se tiču dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom, uloga koju ima civilno društvo u praćenju reformi je od krucijalnog značaja. Osim toga, godine koje slijede biće izuzetno značajne s obzirom na stupanj u kojem će mediji, predstavnici civilnog društva, istraživački centri i NVO-e biti u biti u mogućnosti da učestvuju i konstantno prate promjene u procesu koji se tiče sigurnosnih pitanja u zemlji. Poseban značaj u osiguravanju veze između civilnog društva i vlade imaju mediji. Njihova je uloga još značajnija kad je riječ o sigurnosti, jer obezbjeđivanje tog opšteg dobra jeste osnovni preduslov za ekonomski i politički razvoj. Kada su mediji nezavisni, regulisani i razvijeni, efektivost navedene uloge tada je potpuna. U protivnom, nedostatak ovih uslova može ozbiljno ugroziti mogućnost medija da funkcioniraju kao «nadzornici» u pogledu donošenja i usvajanja odluka. Sa druge strane, model dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom podrazumijeva veće učešće civilnog društva u nastajanju sigurnosnog sektora. Ovo ukazuje na potrebu poduzimanja određenih koraka da bi se osigurala informisanost javnosti u pogledu sigurnosnih pitanja. Prema tome, potpuno učešće medija u procesu reforme sigurnosnog sektora doprinjet će stvaranju međunarodnih i lokalnih institucija zaduženih za pitanja odbrane i sigurnosti, a koje bi bile transparentne i dostupne javnosti. Ovaj izvještaj analizira medijsku pokrivenost sigurnosnih pitanja u BiH. Kroz uspostavljanje složene veze između medija i sigurnosnog sektora u zemlji, bila bi uzeta u obzir otvorenost sigurnosnog sektora kao takvog. Glavni cilj ove studije je evaluacija napretka dobrog upravljanja sigurnosnim sektorom u BiH. U izvještaju su korištene dvije važne vodilje za istraživanje. Sa jedne strane, biće evaluiran stepen zastupljenosti sigurnosnih institucija u BiH, odnosno koliko su otvorene i odgovorne prema medijima. Ovo pitanje se razmatra kao primarno s obzirom na stvarno učešće u relaciji i strukturi sigurnosnog sektora. Izvještaj će se nadalje fokusirati na stepen otvorenosti medija za sigurnosne institucije i stručnost medija kada su u pitanju sigurnosne teme, te na ograničenja kvalitetnog novinarstva i mogućnost izvještavanja o temama u vezi sa sigurnosti, kao jednog od glavnih aspekata odnosa medija prema sigurnosti. Na kraju, izvještaj će biti djelomično baziran na teoretskom modelu sigurnosnog upravljanja, koji podrazumijeva pojačanu saradnju između medija i države. Premda su se desile mnoge promjene u organizacijama sigurnosnog sektora u najnaprednijim demokratijama, potpuno učešće medija još nije postignuto, s obzirom da stepen učešća zavisi i o strukturalnim i o mogućim ograničenjima.

Mapping the Quality of the Statistical Data on Police Involvement in Corruption Amongst Police Agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

Mapping the Quality of the Statistical Data on Police Involvement in Corruption Amongst Police Agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

Author(s): Alma Kovačević / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; police; agencies; corruption; statistics;

This project was aimed to research and analyze the quality of the statistical data on police involvement in corruption kept by police agencies in BiH, and to measure their effect on the overall integrity of the police system. The project also aimed to increase transparency of police agencies as well as generate dialogue on the methods of generating statistics and quality of the statistics themselves. The project is emphasizing the importance and need of harmonizing manners for data collection and keeping statistics and possibilities of achieving harmonization across BiH. "Mapping the Quality of the Statistical Data on Police Involvement in Corruption Amongst Police Agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina" is the first evidence-based research on police corruption in BiH. Most of research of local and international NGOs and other bodies stating that there is a high level of police involvement in corruption in BiH have been based on the citizens' perspective or were victim-based. None of them had dealt with real and relevant data from official registers and there is no evidence-based research on police corruption that takes into account the relevant statistical data. Hence, the real picture on police corruption in BiH is still not clear. However, the methodology used in mentioned research is somehow "justified" and understandable. This is due to the lack of real and objective statistical data on police corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lack of legislation regulating this obligation usually leads to misinterpretation and wrong assessment of police behavior. In addition to that, the lack of clear international standards regulating this area makes the issue more dubious.

Mapping the Quality of the Statistical Data on Police Involvement in Corruption Amongst Police Agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)

Mapiranje kvaliteta statistina o korupciji u policiji na nivou policijskih agencija u BiH

Author(s): Alma Kovačević / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; police; agencies; corruption; statistics;

Ovaj projekat je imao za cilj da istraži i analizira kvalitet statistika o uključenosti policije u korupciju koje vode poicijske agencije, te za procjenu njihovog uticaja na ukupan integritet policijskog sistema. Cilj projekta je, također, da poveća transparentnost rada policijskih agencija, kao i izgradnju dijaloga o metodama vođenja statistika i njihovog kvaliteta. Projekst ističe važnost i potrebu usaglašavanja načina prikupljanja podataka i vođenja statistika kao i mogućnosti postizanja harmonizacije na nivou BiH. "Mapiranje kvalitete statistika o korupciji u policiji na nivou policijskh agencija u BiH" je prvo istraživanje zasnovano na evidencijama o policijskoj korupciji u BiH. Većina istraživanja domaćih i međunarodnih nevladinih organizacija i drugih tiela u kojima se navodi da postoji visok stepen uključenosti policije u korupciju u BiH zasnovani su na iskustvima građana ili iskustvima i perspektivi oštećenog. Ni jedno od ovih istraživanja se nije bavilo stvarnim i relevantnim podacima iz službenih evidencija o prisustvu korupcije u policiji, a koja uzima u obzir relevantne statističke podatke. Stoga, stvarna slika o korupciji u policiji BiH još uvijek nije sasvim jasna. Međutim, metodologija koja je korištena u spomenutim istraživanjima je na neki način "opravdana" i razumljiva i posljedica je nedostatka stvarnih i objektivnih statističkih podataka o korupciji u policiji u Bosni i Hercegovini. Nedostatak propisa koji regulišu ovu obavezu obično dovodi do pogrešnog tumačenja i pogrešne procjene rada policije. Osim toga, nedostatak jasnih međunarodnih standarda koji regulišu ovo područje, čini ovaj problem još komplikovanijim.

Special Investigative Measures: Normative Regulation and Review of the Practical Application

Posebne istražne radnje: normativna uređenost i osvrt na praktičnu primjenu

Author(s): Aida Kržalić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: investigation; law enforcement agencies; special investigative measures; legislation; Bosnia and Herzegovina;

The work represents the normative regulation of special investigative measures in BiH legislation with a brief review of the provisions before the legislation reform in 2003, as well as of the current provisions. The first part of this paper presents an overview of international documents that restrict the right of a State in relation to the right of an individual concerning the application of special investigative measures, as well as a theoretical approach to this issue and normative regulation of the application of special investigative measures. The second part presents the observed shortcomings in applying these measures. In addition, special investigative measures have been established with precisely formulated criteria to determine the application of the the same. Also, legal provisons at the entity levels and Brčko District, do not significantly deviate from the provisions adopted at the state level.

Policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021)

Policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021)

Author(s): Stiven Tremaria / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; pandemic; security; policing; COVID-19; pandemics;

This paper provides an account of the developments of policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021 to shed light on elements of continuity and changes from previous trends observable since the 2010s. It is contended that the COVID-19 has made manifest the extent to which the factual management capacity of the Bosnian state administration and the police forces has consolidated in the entities and cantons. By contrast, central state police agencies suffer from chronic stagnation, institutional dysfunctionality, and a lack of factual management capacity to face unexpected challenges and emergencies. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has fostered certain conditions for advancing the rollback of the democratically oriented police reform observable at the entity and cantonal levels since the last decade, which manifests through politicisation, militarisation and slight informalisation of policing. In particular, such police counter-reform has been more acute in the Republika Srpska under the SNSD rule, in contrast to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose police forces are affected by severe degrees of institutional fragmentation, dysfunctional working and clientelism.

The Importance of Cybersecurity for Bosnia and Herzegovina Policy Recommendations to Support BiH’s Cyber Capabilities and International Aspirations

The Importance of Cybersecurity for Bosnia and Herzegovina Policy Recommendations to Support BiH’s Cyber Capabilities and International Aspirations

Author(s): Nicolò Miotto / Language(s): English

Keywords: Bosnia and Herzegovina; cybersecurity; cybercrime; cyber awareness; European Union; NATO;

Cybersecurity is a fundamental domain for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as it impacts the country‘s national security, its economic growth and its international commitments and goals. Despite the importance of cyberspace for the country, BiH lacks a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, having instead a jeopardised approach which hinders its cybersecurity efforts. The country‘s cybersecurity capabilities are underdeveloped, exposing governmental bodies, private companies and citizens to potential cyber threats and risks. Limited cybersecurity capabilities can undermine BiH‘s efforts to access the EU and NATO as these international organisations require states to respect and adopt specific cybersecurity standards and legislation. Hence, BiH needs to improve its cybersecurity architecture to achieve its international goals. In addition, the country must enhance its cybersecurity to accomplish international obligations deriving from the country‘s membership of international organisations and its ratification of the Budapest Convention. Although the country presents embryonic cybersecurity capabilities, BiH public institutions are improving their cybersecurity awareness by providing public employees with workshops, seminars, and training courses on cybersecurity. As of this, international and domestic cooperation represents a pivotal opportunity for BiH to build and enhance its cyber capabilities; intergovernmental organisations, research centres and partner counties are providing BiH public institutions with funds and training opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

Smartphones as Weapons: Russian Aggression Against Ukraine as a Paradigm

Pametni telefoni kao oružje: ruska agresija na Ukrajinu kao paradigma

Author(s): Dean Džebić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: Russia; Ukraine; aggression; war; ICT; smartphones; weapons;

When Heidi and Alvin Toffler predicted in the 1990s that the modern soldier of the future would be equipped with a backpack in which to carry a laptop - they caused derision from most hawks of the military-industrial complex. Today, while the year of Russian aggression is behind us, the outlines of that futuristic soldier Heidi and Alvin Toffler talked about have never been clearer. Every second Ukrainian fighter is equipped with either a tablet or a personal mobile phone with the help of which he: controls a commercial drone, monitors the line of fire without exposing himself to danger, delivers mortar shells by controlling the drone; while in the background, at the strategic level, specialized IT teams scan the area, locating the enemy's concentration precisely with the help of signals emitted by the smartphones of Russian soldiers.

The Return of the Foreign Fighters and their Families to their Homeland: Existing Practices and Considerations Regarding Security and Human Rights

The Return of the Foreign Fighters and their Families to their Homeland: Existing Practices and Considerations Regarding Security and Human Rights

Author(s): Katerina Christoforaki / Language(s): English

Keywords: ISIS; security; foreign fighters; military policy; return; human rights;

The creation of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has attracted an unprecedented flow of thousands of people from more than 100 countries all over the world to join their cause. After the fall of the so-called caliphate, the countries involved have to deal with the aftermath of the conflict and the future threat of the resurgence of ISIS or other terrorist groups. The people who volunteered and joined ISIS might pose a security threat in the future. This paper aims to examine the different approaches that countries have taken regarding the return of foreign fighters (FFs) and their families who joined ISIS to their homeland. This is a multidimensional and complex matter since it has legal, moral, and political implications, and therefore the decisions in this regard are never unanimous, nor do they come without criticism and opposition.

Informative Article - Spyware: The Modern Cyber Security Problem

Informativni članak - Spyware: moderni problem cyber sigurnosti

Author(s): Arif Šabanović / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: ICT; internet; spyware; security; informative article; 2024;

Spyware is malicious software that hides in our devices and collects information that it sends to third parties without our consent. Spyware has become the most widespread type of malware, because its target is personal information about the user and his online habits. There is a very wide range of information that can be stolen or compromised. Some of the information that is a frequent target of hackers are: information about bank accounts, search history, complete email content and personal information about the user. In addition to the information already stored on the devices, modern spyware can also take control of the microphone and camera and use them to record unauthorized images/videos/conversations, which are then sent to third parties. Spyware is so prevalent that it is estimated that over 80% of internet users have some type on their device. This is a worrying fact that says that almost all information used and stored on devices is in constant danger of misuse. Attention when downloading applications from unknown sources, as well as regular updates of the operating system and software, are one of the proven methods of preventing spyware infection of the device.

“Body-worn” Cameras of Police Officers: What do We Need to Know?

“Body-worn” kamere policijskih službenika: Šta trebamo znati?

Author(s): Damir Tandara / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; security; police; body-worn cameras; privacy; transparency; 2024;

Transparentniji rad policije je jedan od ključnih zahtjeva javnosti kroz historiju. On je intenziviran razvojem modernih tehnologija koje omogućavaju bliži uvid u rad policije kao službe javne uprave kojoj je povjereno čuvanje javnog reda i poretka, te zaštita temeljnih ustavnih prava i sloboda građana i svih vrijednosti zaštićenih ustavom. S druge strane i policijski službenici imaju potrebu za određenim vidom zaštite, a moderne tehnologije pružaju rješenja ove vrste. One policijske službenike mogu zaštititi prilIkom obavljanja njihovog posla, primarno u slučajevima lažnih i neutemeljenih prijava povrede službene dužnosti i zloupotrebe ovlaštenja od strane policijskih službenika. Primjena tehnoloških naprava u radu policije može znatno olakšati radnje dokazivanja, što se reflektuje na olakšano vođenje krivičnog postupka te se korist ovakvih naprava prožima izvan domena striktno policijske djelatnosti. Pored višestruke koristi koju moderne tehnologije pružaju prilikom obavljanja policijskih poslova, postoje određene stavke koje izazivaju zabrinutost javnosti i građana u odnosu na ovu temu. Prevashodno je to zaštita ljudskih prava, odnosno iznalaženje adekvatnih načina zaštite ljudskih prava usljed korištenja modernih tehnologija od strane policijskih službenika prilikom obavljanja policijskih dužnosti, a posebno uređaja za audio i video snimanje. Nedoumica je prisutna i kod službeničkog i rukovodstvenog kadra policije. Naime, najveću brigu službenicima zadaje pitanje da li će morati snimati kompletnu smjenu ili samo interakcije sa građanima, dok rukovodioce brine kontrola nad primjenom ovog sistema od strane samih službenika. Za njih je neophodno da iznađu najefikasnije rješenje kojim će regulisati pomenuto pitanje i na najbolji mogući način zaštititi prava građana od svih zloupotreba do kojih može doći korištenjem „body – worn“ kamera.

TOWARDS A PERMANENT SOLUTION OF SERBIA'S OPEN ISSUES WITH NEIGHBORS

KA TRAJNOM REŠAVANJU OTVORENIH PITANJA SRBIJE SA SUSEDIMA

Author(s): Milan Igrutinović,Miloš Paunović / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: Serbia; neighboring countries ; Foreign Policy; Yugoslavia ; Croatia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Montenegro; Macedonia

Since the end of 2016, the Center for Applied European Studies has analyzed Serbia's bilateral relations with neighboring countries, focusing on existing open, problematic areas in bilateral relations and ways to overcome them, as part of the project Towards a Strategy for Serbia's Foreign Policy: relations with the countries. During the work on the project, a significant difference was quickly noticed in the nature and dynamics of the relations between Serbia and the countries that formed on the territory of Yugoslavia in contrast to the relations of Serbia with its "old" neighbors - Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. The analyzes came to the conclusion that the relations of the countries in the post-Yugoslav space are specific and complex enough to have to be followed over a long period of time, and the thematic framework of the new project is dedicated to the analysis of the relations of Serbia with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia.

Protection of Whistleblowers by making Public Disclosures (Alerting the Public)

Protection of Whistleblowers by making Public Disclosures (Alerting the Public)

Author(s): Sofija Mandić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Whistleblowers;

Public disclosures may be made, without prior notice to the employer or authorised agency, in case of imminent peril against life, public health, security, environment, large-scale damage, i.e. imminent peril of evidence destruction. Albeit there are understandably tightened requirements for direct public address, the law noticeably places the bar for peril requirements too high – it is not sufficient to have a peril at hand (against life, public health, security, environment, large-scale damage, evidence destruction), but it must also be imminent. The term ‘imminent’ relates to a precisely specific moment when the specific peril occurs and becomes certain. Only then is a whistle-blower entitled to address the public without repercussions and with hopes of court protection.