PRC ENGAGEMENT WITH LATIN AMERICA, AND CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: COMPARISONS AND INSIGHTS

Author(s): Robert Evan ELLIS / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This study compares PRC engagement with Central and Eastern Europe, with that in Latin America in four areas: Political and multilateral activities, trade and investment patterns, PRC soft power, and security. It finds the patterns in the two regions are broadly similar, with differences from the political orientation and institutional characteristics of each country, geographic imperatives, and the structure of economic opportunities in each country. In both regions, PRC-based entities engage in a broad range of areas and economic sectors, seeking to shape the relationship, and to secure access to commodities, strategic markets and technologies, while working to capture as much of the value added from such activities as possible. In both, PRC methods include building “people-to-people networks, leveraging hopes for economic benefits, and conducting security engagements. In both, “populist” regimes give the PRC greater opportunities for lucrative deals and strategic engagements, but are accompanied by uniquehazards.

ROMANIAN DIPLOMACY IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL SECURITY

Author(s): Gabriel MICU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the era of globalization, international security depends to a great extent, if not primarily, on regional security. In turn, regional security is dependent on the environment of economic, political and social stability, existing both at the regional level and in the national space of each state in the area. The degree of diversification and deepening of relations between states determines an amplification and nuance of diplomatic actions, and the bi- and multilateral approaches of the states of the international community to be included in the fundamental objective of the UN Charter, to maintain international peace and security. In this article, we aim to briefly present not only the sources of regional instability, but also the steps that Romanian diplomacy undertakes to maintain regional security and stability.

FROM CURRENCY WARS THROUGH TRADE WARSTO CO NVENTIONAL WARS: REALIZATION OF OLD PREDICTIONS BEFORE OUR EYES

Author(s): Przemysław FURGACZ / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

RUSSIA’S MILITARY AGGRESSION AND STRIKE IN GEORGIA ON AUGUST 2008: LESSONS LEARNED – GEOSTRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Author(s): Vakhtang MAISAIA / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine launched by the Russian Federation leadership aiming at on full occupation and regime change orientation on its mind (the mission so far has been failed), from military studies analyze perspective became omnipotent review and scrutiny the war wedged by the Russia’s current leadership against sovereign Georgia on 8 August in 2008. The geostrategic analyze is to be very relevant and timely precise one because of reconsidering why the Russia dared to attack Ukraine by exploiting so-called “Hard Power” and whether it was supposed to be avoid the war scenario taken into consideration Georgia’s war “lessons learned”. In conjunction with tense geopolitical situation in Ukraine, Georgia is being pulled out of the daily political agenda.This is a case of appeasement foreign policy incursion stipulated by the incumbent ruling party of Georgia “The Georgian Dream Party” who controls the government and parliament. Even recently, having adopted the resolution on situation in Ukraine, the ruling party majority fraction has not mentioned in the document the phrase “The Russian Federation”. Despite of the matter, Georgia and Ukraine are considered in common geopolitical “basket” from Euro-Atlantic and European integration policy perspectives. According to the Constitution of Georgia adopted in 2020, in accordance to Article 78 directly stipulated Georgia irreversibility stance toward integration policy adherence in the NATO and EU structures. Hence, it means that the incumbent Russian Federation authority set up their own so-called“red lines” in properly promulgated two documents (so-called “Security Treaty Drafts” for USA and NATOoriginated by the Kremlin administration in January 2022) triggered both Georgia and Ukraine as its own “special zones of influence” and pointed out in its geostrategic plans for encroachment in case of necessity

ON THE IMPERATIVE NEED TO ELIMINATE HYBRID THREATS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT CHANGES IN THE SECURITY ENVIRONMENT

Author(s): Ivančík RADOSLAV / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the first two decades of the third millennium, there were fundamental changes in the global and regional security environment. At the same time, there was a transformation of traditional security threats. They have become multidimensional, multi-layered and, in the complex conditions of our society’s existence, have acquired a hybrid character in recent years. They are related to the use of a wide range of different means, such as propaganda, disinformation, hoaxes, cyber-attacks, organized crime, economic, political, and social pressure, terrorism, etc. All of them lead to the undermining of democratic foundations and the destabilization of the political, economic, and social elements of our society. Therefore, the author in this paper, using relevant methods of scientific research, deals with the issue of hybrid threats and the imperative need to effectively adopt measures aimed at their elimination, with a focus on the Slovak Republic experience

VIRTUAL ASSETS IN TIMES OF WAR: THE NATIONAL SECURITY IMPLICATIONS AND THE IMPERATIVE OF A NATIONAL DATA ANALYSIS PLATFORM, INVOLVING THE TRANSFER OF VALUE ACROSS BLOCKCHAINS

Author(s): Bogdan VACUSTA / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The year 2008 officially marked the beginning for blockchain technology with the Bitcoin whitepaper and since then there have been multiple stages of development, which bring new challenges to existing centralized institutional architecture, constructed by learning from challenging historical events. Blockchain essentially allows now a new decentralised way of transferring value, having at its core data, which has become the new “digital gold”. The more data is generated by transferring value on a national and international level, the higher the priority to analyse it, based on relevant criteria linked to cyber security, money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions evasion, as well as special operations. The transfer of value across blockchains increased with the Russian invasion in Ukraine, facilitating illicit activity, which requires, as an urgent matter, the establishment of an organised framework for holistic blockchain data analysis, considering the impact on national security and financial stability.

THE EXPANSION OF IRAN’S PROXY CAPABILITIES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE MILITARY INDUSTRY

Author(s): Mihai VLAICU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether the proxy policy used by Iran brought to it benefits, as well as its impact on the Iranian military industry. The research methods used are the analysis of the armed conflicts Iran has taken part in, as well as observing the evolution of the implementation of its policy of using proxy forces and its effects on the Iranian military industry

EUROPEAN DEFENCE COOPERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE. ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE WORLD AND A GIANT LEAP FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION

Author(s): Alin BODESCU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The European Union has traditionally not been a major military player, and the impact of BREXIT has further diminished its potential influence as a hard power actor. Originally conceived as a political and economic partnership with a focus on a large free common market, the EU did not prioritize security and defence as core objectives. Rather, its efforts in this realm centred on state and capacity building of traditional partners. In this paper, we argue that in recent years, despite a general perception blaming a bureaucratic slow advance, the EU has made significant progress in developing military capabilities and enhancing defence cooperation, spurred by the conflict in Ukraine.

CONSIDERATIONS ON THE SOCIAL PROFILE OF GENERATION Z AND ITS ADAPTATION TO A MILITARY CAREER IN THE ROMANIAN ARMED FORCES

Author(s): Cristian BOGANTOIU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Generation Z, the first demographic cohort born in the 21st century, brings with it unique attitudes, approaches and characteristics to military careers in the Romanian Armed Forces. This article examines how this generation is adapting to the demands of the military institution and contributing to its development, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities it faces. Generation Z is characterised by familiarity and intense use of advanced technology and the integration of emerging technology into the specific activities and missions of the military is essential to attract, motivate and retain these young military personnel in the military system, while maintaining flexibility, diversity and transparency within the military institution. At the same time, tailoring professional assessment to objectives and criteria is a key issue for the effective assessment and development of the potential of Generation Z military leaders. As technology plays an important role in the evolution of the military organization but cannot completely replace human skills and authentic leadership, Generation Z is required to develop strategic skills, the ability to communicate clearly, make pragmatic decisions and manage stressful situations

DEFINING SYSTEMIC INSTRUMENTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY AND FUTURE STRATEGIC NUCLEAR BALANCE. APPLICABILITY TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Author(s): Mario MARINOV / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The balance of power in strategic nuclear capabilities between the major global nuclear nation-states remains a consistent element in the dynamic of the contemporary international system of security relations. Within the expanding paradigm of adversarial relations, the qualitative and quantitative indicators of nuclear arsenals have shifted from a state of relative parity, defined by the Cold War and early post-Cold War era nuclear treaty regime, to an evolving state of disparity and uncertainty, degrading the global security environment. Within the following paper and within the systems theoretical approach towards understanding the international system of relations, the main systemic instruments in the provision of qualitative and quantitative limitations of nuclear arsenals will be defined. The paper will examine historical notions and examples of arms control and limitation instruments introduced in the contemporary era of the international system spanning from the beginning of the 20th century. Based on the established principles in the international system, the paper will then define and categorise the different instruments. The paper will also provide an overall estimation of the applicability of the listed systemic instruments to the current and future state of affairs in the strategic nuclear balance. Finally, the paper will seek to provide conclusions for the current and future national security priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria within the topics of both fostering approaches towards a state of deterrence, but also in assessing the risks and threats in the context of uncontrolled rearmament of nuclear powers.

FINLAND’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS NATO, 1991-2023

Author(s): Kari ALENIUS / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union forced Finland to adapt to the Soviet Union’s foreign policy and prohibited any public criticization about the policy the Soviet Union. Finland also did not have the opportunity to become a member of Western cooperation organizations, such as the EEC or NATO. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, conditions changed, and Finland decided to join the European Union in 1995. Finland still remained outside of NATO, while other Eastern European countries that had been occupied by or under pressure from the Soviet Union quickly applied for NATO membership. The decisive turn did not happen until February 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale attack against Ukraine. Finland submitted a membership application in May 2022 and was quickly accepted as a NATO member in April 2023.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION AGGRESSION AGAINST UKRAINE. CONSEQUENCES ON DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE FIELD

Author(s): Adriean PÂRLOG / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

We live in a dynamic, aggressive and competitive world, embedded in a dependent society by increasingly complex information, where social relations are redefined by technology, mainly. Contemporary conflicts are followed, at the informational level, by intense hybrid confrontations, according to increasingly sophisticated psycho-behavioral and technological standards.

THE SPIRITUAL, PATRIOTIC, MORAL AND MATERIAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE MINISTERS OF THE HOLY ORTHODOX ALTARS TO THE SUPPORT OF ROMANIA'S EFFORTS IN THE WAR OF ALLIANCE

Author(s): Constantin NEAGU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In the history of the Romanians, the First World War (1914-1918) was consecrated as the War of the National Reunification (1916-1919), through which was achieved the liberation of some ancestral territories, as well as the fulfillment of the multi-secular yearning to create state unity. At this crucial moment for our existential destiny, the Romanian Orthodox Church played a substantial role in the equation of resistance and victory to the end, through some hierarchs, military priests, parish clergy, monks and nuns, seminarians, students and graduates in theology, church singers and lay believers. All of them raised prayers for the victory of our soldiers over the enemy and supported them spiritually, morally and materially. Also, they were permanently in the front line of saving the lives of the sons of the country wounded on the front, perpetuating the cult of heroes, helping orphaned children, war widows and refugees.

FORMULATING LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PRIORITIES IN THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA – GEOSTRATEGIC SECURITY AND THE ROLE OF THE BLACK SEA

Author(s): Mario MARINOV / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The formulation of long-term strategic priorities is a principal element in the construction of national-level security and defence strategies. In the case of the Republic of Bulgaria, such efforts should adequately reflect both national and affiliated allied security concerns and considerations in the context of NATO and Bulgaria’s specific geostrategic location. The following paper places its focus on the geostrategic element in the formulation of priorities and principally the role of the Black Sea in this process. The paper examines the historical and contemporary priorities of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Black Sea region and the evolution of the security environment over the preceding decade. The paper examines the transition of the Black Sea from a region of economic importance to one of expanded military significance, and the underlying risks and threats, which have materialised in the contemporary era. The paper further defines the policy course of the Republic of Bulgaria by analysing the specific frameworks and policy documents on the national level. The overarching deficiencies within Bulgaria’s approach towards the provision of national security are identified and the paper in its final chapter provides for the conditionalities and directions of future policy making and security commitments in the expanded role of the Black Sea region

THE FAKE NEWS PHENOMENON. HISTORY, USE, DEFINITIONS, FORMS AND FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCEPTANCE AND DISSEMINATION OF FAKE NEWS

Author(s): Ioan-Cristian GHEORGHIU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The pervasive spread of fake news has become a pressing concern in the digital age, influencing public opinion, decision-making processes, and societal dynamics. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution, varying definitions, diverse forms, and factors contributing to the acceptance and dissemination of fake news. Tracing its roots back to the early days of Antiquity, we examine the transformation of fake news within the history, exploring its rapid proliferation through social media platforms and other online channels. Additionally, we discuss the challenges associated with defining fake news, highlighting the blurred boundaries between misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda. By investigating cognitive, social, and technological factors, we uncover the mechanisms that facilitate the acceptance and dissemination of fake news, including different biases and manipulative tactics

IS GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE A BLACK SWAN IN COGNITIVE WARFARE?

Author(s): Tudor URSEIU / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The themes of cognitive warfare, assuring cognitive superiority, black swan events, game theory, and the assessment of the most potent AI platforms for military decision support are explored in this article. The emphasis is on evaluating how well AI platforms can support military decision-making and maintain cognitive supremacy in the face of unforeseen circumstances. The essay starts off by outlining cognitive warfare and how it makes use of AI technology to sway and control the opponent's thinking. The use of strategies in a military environment is highlighted. It is highlighted how important it is to comprehend and respond to black swan situations because they present difficulties and have repercussions for military decision-making.

THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE WARFARE ON PLANNING AND DECISION-MAKING IN MILITARY CONFLICTS

Author(s): Danut-Adrian SERBAN / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Advanced technologies such as cognitive warfare and artificial intelligence are ushering in a transformative era for human civilization. Revolutionary initiatives led by international military organizations are cultivating the development of innovative technologies, serving as a catalyst for the modernization of society while simultaneously strengthening global security. The pace of technological progress is on a relentless upward trend, propelled by economic and military incentives, and the desire of scientists and researchers to push into previously unexplored territories is a response to the daily challenges we face. The complexity of military conflicts is escalating due to the unparalleled progress of contemporary military technologies. When harmonized with traditional technologies, these modern advances overturn traditional paradigms of strategic planning and operational deployment of forces and resources, thus exerting a significant influence on decision-making in military conflicts.

THE MAIN TOOLS OF COGNITIVE ATTACKS ON CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY – DISINFORMATION AND PROPAGANDA

Author(s): Ilie IFTIME,Marina IFTIME / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The dynamic of the current security environment outlines a diversified panel of tools registered in the cognitive attacks domain. These have been used since ancient times, literary taking different forms such as “the deception”, which Sun Tzî refers to by saying: “The whole art of war is based on deception” (Sun Tzî 2012, 44). Over time the methods and means have adapted and new terms and concepts appeared. Therefore, nowadays we are talking about the psychological war phenomenon which is present almost every time alongside the classic one, supporting some strategies and operations in the battlefield. The psychological war is planned on the basis of some complex studies taken in social engineering domain by which some various indicators are identified (social support of the government, the war perception, the morale of the troops, the main national goals, social fears/desires/hopes, etc.)and can be used later in different cognitive attacks, such as disinformation and propaganda

USE OF CHATGPT GENERATIVE AI IN UAV FIELD

Author(s): Marian Darius CRET / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This academic paper explores the utilization of ChatGPT in military fields, with unmanned aerial drones. Recent developments of Artificial Intelligence and the spread of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have opened up new opportunities for improving military operations. ChatGPT, an OpenAI large language model, offers an attractive possibility to incorporate natural language processing capabilities into military UAV, enabling efficient communication and effective decision making processes. The paper concludes with a discussion of ChatGPT’s future potential in military UAV, emphasizing with the importance of continued research and development to overcome the challenges and maximize advantages.

COGNITIVE SUPERIORITY AN EMERGENT ASPECT OF HYBRID WARFARE

Author(s): Daniel-George GABOR / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

Cognitive superiority emerges as a new aspect to be considered in the context of hybrid warfare. Whether from an individual perspective or a social standpoint, relevant aspects can be identified through which cognitive superiority/inferiority can reveal advantages/disadvantages that can be exploited in a multidimensional hybrid war. We aim to explore how cognitive superiority can be used in hybrid warfare, addressing various aspects such as analysis and anticipation, countering disinformation and manipulation, techniques of influence and psychological aggression, the use of technology and artificial intelligence, data mining and what it can reveal about various aspects of society, as well as the importance of collaboration and information exchange. We will also identify ways to increase resilience to aggression and policies for achieving cognitive superiority. Who are the actors and what relevant policies can be implemented to enhance the ability to withstand knowledge-based aggression? We will emphasize the role of education and the influence of media and social media, the protection of critical infrastructures, especially in the cyber domain, collaboration and information exchange. We also highlight critical thinking and resilience to manipulation, research, innovation, ethics in the use of disruptive technologies, and the legislative framework in which they can operate. The multidimensionality of hybrid warfare requires decision-makers and stakeholders involved in maintaining and developing security to consider the extensive implications of competitive advantages that can be derived from the exploitation of cognitive superiority, as well as the vulnerabilities that can be identified in the area of interest in the context of cognitive inferiority compared to a presumed hostile actor