Defense Issues Research Articles

Public perceptions of defence policy in times of crisis: evidence from France during the Ukraine war

ABSTRACT This study examines how the Ukraine war, a critical focusing event within the broader context of rising tensions between Russia and the West, influenced public perceptions of defence policy in France. Defence issues in France are typically characterised by a permissive consensus, with limited public scrutiny outside moments of crisis. Using three-wave survey data (July 2021, March 2022, and July 2022), we analyse shifts in public opinion on key defence dimensions, including military spending, international cooperation, and high-intensity combat operations. Employing regression and cluster analyses, we assess both the stability of defence-related concerns and the impact of issue attributes – emotional intensity, concreteness, and obtrusiveness – on perceived importance over time. Our findings reveal that the Ukraine war did not fundamentally alter the structure of public opinion on defence issues. Instead, the relative influence of concreteness and obtrusiveness increased over time, suggesting a deliberative rather than a reactive public response. These results challenge the assumption that crises inherently destabilise public opinion and highlight the resilience of defence attitudes. Our study thus underscores the need for policymakers to account for longer-term public concerns rather than relying solely on crisis-driven shifts when shaping defence policy.

Peculiarities of codification of Ukrainian legislation in the field of defense during the legal regime of martial law

The article examines the topical issues and peculiarities of codification of Ukrainian defense legislation which arose during the introduction of the legal regime of martial law throughout Ukraine in connection with the large-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The author conducts a theoretical and legal study of the concept of “codification” as defined in the scientific works of leading scholars, and analyzes the rule-making activities of public authorities on codification of legislation in the field of defense. A general analysis of the existing system of codification acts of Ukraine, which includes 24 Codes of Ukraine (including 3 Codes adopted before Ukraine’s independence) is made. The author examines the peculiarities of codification of Ukrainian defense legislation during the martial law regime. The author emphasizes the need to improve the legal mechanism of legal regulation of defense issues. The author defines a special subject of legal regulation of legislation in the defense sector, which is based on more than 40 laws of Ukraine (including four codified acts - the Statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine). The author emphasizes the importance of revising the legal acts enshrined in the laws of Ukraine in the field of defense. The article also analyzes the novelties of Ukrainian legislation related to the Law of Ukraine “On Lawmaking Activity” adopted in 2023. Law of Ukraine “On Lawmaking” adopted in 2023. The author makes a theoretical and legal definition of the concept of “code” which has been enshrined in law. The author conducts a structural analysis of the main requirements to the structure of the code and its internal structure which this type of legal act must meet. The author emphasizes the importance of compliance with the procedure for drafting a code as a separate type of legal act established by law, and examines the issue of the need and mandatory nature of developing the concept of a draft code (as a primary law), which is a legal prerequisite for codification of legislation in a particular area. The article defines the special procedure for entry into force and enforcement (application) of certain legal provisions provided for by the Law of Ukraine “On Lawmaking” (one year after the date of termination (abolition) of martial law in Ukraine). Particular attention is paid to the study of the peculiarities of applying the special procedure for enactment (one year after the date of termination (lifting) of martial law in Ukraine) of a separate legal provision provided for in part two of Article 27 of the Law “On Lawmaking” in terms of the mandatory development of the concept of the draft code. The results of the study indicate that there are peculiarities of codification of Ukrainian defense legislation which arose during the introduction of the legal regime of martial law throughout Ukraine, which are due to the existence of special legal provisions and novelties in legislation. The conclusions emphasize the need to develop a common conceptual framework and apply an integrated approach to the codification of defense legislation, which will allow harmonizing and improving defense legislation with due regard for the relevant task set by the President of Ukraine for public authorities. It is emphasized that in the course of further work on codification of legislation in the field of defense, an important aspect will remain the development of a codified act in the field of defense in compliance with the requirements (novels) of the legislation on lawmaking, the full implementation of which will take place one year after the termination or abolition of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine.

Şübhəli şəxsin tutulmadan dərhal sonra xəbər verməsi hüququ-müdafiənin zəruri tərkib hissəsi kimi

This article attempts to comprehensively explore the legal grounds and regulations of the right to notify someone of a detention immediately after detention, as reflected in Articles 90.7.5 and 153.2.4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter CPC), as well as its direct connection with the right to defense and its role as an integral part of that right. Within the context of the identified legal regulations, it is discussed that this right should not only be considered an independent legal norm but also provided as a procedural safeguard equivalent to the right to receive high-quality legal assistance, which is another component of the right to defense. The right to inform someone immediately after detention is regarded as an inseparable element of the right to defense. This is because the detention procedure must be carried out not only with the involvement of the detained person or their defense attorney but also through the application of other legal procedures that ensure the right to defense. This is not merely a formal requirement but a mechanism that safeguards the individual’s right to defense and prevents violations of their rights. Failure to properly guarantee a person’s rights during detention can directly affect their right to defense and, in some cases, lead to violations of their rights, which may result in them being left without proper defense during the trial. The article discusses how the failure to ensure this right affects individuals’ legal status, its impact on the right to defense, and the practical challenges encountered in implementing detention procedures. In particular, attention is drawn to the legal consequences of detention and practical issues related to ensuring the overall right to defense in accordance with relevant legislation. In addition, the article discusses new approaches aimed at strengthening human rights and freedoms and enhancing the transparency of legal procedures. These approaches aim not only to make the application of the law more effective but also to develop it in line with modern standards in terms of protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring legal justice. Based on existing practices, the article outlines the possibilities of developing and optimizing legal defense mechanisms, and how their effective implementation may eliminate many of the challenges faced by defense attorneys. It provides a detailed analysis of how normative acts are applied in specific situations, how this right is ensured in practice, and related legal defense issues. Finally, the article outlines the opportunities that steps toward improving and optimizing legal defense mechanisms may provide in terms of ensuring the effectiveness of the right to defense, improving the quality of legal assistance, and guaranteeing the protection of citizens’ rights. It highlights the importance of ensuring human rights and freedoms, the implementation of the right to defense, and strengthening the role of legal defense not only in terms of enhancing the activity of the legal profession but also in making the state’s legal mechanisms more transparent and fair. Keywords: right to notification, suspect, arrest, right to defense, defense counsel, quality legal assistance, legal guarantees, actual deprivation of liberty.

The Newest Method for Optimizing Clusters of Special-Purpose Structures through BIM Modeling

A method of cluster geometric modeling is proposed and the results of this method application were considered to optimize resources when solving defense issues. An example of the necessary solution to the problem of reforming the placement of special-purpose facilities and structures in the light of the new concept of Ukrainian defense has been chosen, and on this basis an algorithm for quantitative and qualitative solution of the problem has been developed using modern neural networks.The article proposes a general method of cluster geometric modeling in resource optimization, which will be an urgent need to solve the problems facing Ukraine. For the effective formation and functioning of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their development, it is necessary to maintain their material and technical support at a high level, which must meet modern requirements and world standards. The current relevance of the problem indicates an urgent need to study the problems of norming and standardization and the creation of territorial planning and urban planning solutions for property defense complexes under the conditions of the transition to a new concept of defense construction in Ukraine, close to world standards. The purpose of the study is to create a toolkit to optimize the solution of problems that will arise in the process of developing the concept of complex modeling of the characteristics of special-purpose structures and related issues of territorial planning and urban development solutions.According to the authors, currently, complex, mainly anthropological, expert methods are mostly used when planning resources. Creating mathematical models requires a lot of time, which is unacceptable under current conditions, but if an already developed algorithm is used, which will be operated by a modern neural network, this drawback can be eliminated.The topic of decision optimization is currently a poorly structured multi-criteria problem. In addition, the existing correlations between influencing factors require the development of a complex apparatus for making urgent decisions.

‘Saviour’ of the Empire: Jan Smuts’s Conceptualisation of the British Commonwealth of Nations

ABSTRACT At the time of the First World War, the British Empire was in a phase of transition away from central rule from London over all dependencies. For some decades the self-governing dominions (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) had been given increasing autonomy over their domestic affairs. In return for their sacrifices as participants in the war, the dominions were expecting to receive more power over foreign policy and defence issues, which would be the next step in their progress towards independence. The idea that the United Kingdom and the dominions should form a Commonwealth of Nations within the British Empire was taking root. David Lloyd George, the British prime minister, invited the dominion leaders to an Imperial War Conference that took place in London from March 1917. Jan Smuts was nominated by Louis Botha’s cabinet to represent South Africa at the conference. As a result of his success as theatre commander of the Allied forces in East Africa he received an overwhelming hero’s welcome in London. He became Lloyd George’s right-hand man. At the Imperial War Conference, he stood out as a leader with exceptional qualities. In a series of highly publicised speeches, Smuts emerged as the most influential orator among the participants in the debate about the future of the Empire. In a famous speech at a banquet for both Houses of the British Parliament in London on 15 May 1917 he detailed his proposals for the envisaged British Commonwealth of Nations. He rejected the creation of an imperial federation in favour of an alliance of equal states. In this article, Smuts’ conceptualisation of the Commonwealth is analysed from the perspectives of his holistic thinking, his internationalism, and his views about race.

中国认罪认罚从宽制度下无罪辩护问题研究

最新实证研究显示，认罪认罚案件中无罪辩护现象仍未消弭，司法机关对此存在“明确禁止”与“相对容忍”两种处理模式，这对认罪认罚从宽制度的公正落实及辩护权行使产生了一定阻碍。探究根源，该制度正当化程度欠佳，致使部分案件难以确保被追诉人认罪认罚的真实自愿，促使辩护人提出无罪辩护。然而，若不加约束地允许律师无罪辩护，不但会冲击认罪认罚从宽制度的适用，还会使被追诉人的从宽权益岌岌可危。鉴于此，一方面要完善认罪认罚从宽制度，重点改造失衡的控辩结构，如协调法律帮助与辩护关系、完善量刑建议说理、强化法院实质审查，保障审前辩护权充分施展，预防不必要的无罪辩护；另一方面，宜将无罪辩护限定于审前阶段且控辩双方无争议的案件，庭审阶段重新委托辩护的情况可作例外处理，以此平衡制度稳定与权益保障。

Typhoon Comprehensive Classification and Travel Route Intelligent Forecast Based on Convolutional Neural Networks

This study, based on typhoon data provided by the China Meteorological Administration and focusing on the critical issue of typhoon disaster warning and defense, thoroughly examines two core components: typhoon classification and intelligent prediction of typhoon paths. An innovative evaluation system that integrates time series clustering with hierarchical clustering is developed to standardize various indicators and accurately capture the characteristics of different typhoon categories. Furthermore, the combination of a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) and an improved long short-term memory network (LSTM) significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of path recognition. The experimental results demonstrate that the goodness of fit for wind speed as a category indicator and precipitation as a path indicator reaches 0.9973 and 0.9906, respectively, thereby validating the robust performance of the proposed model. This innovative outcome not only provides a new direction for typhoon path prediction but also substantially advances the field of typhoon disaster warning and defense.

New Aspects in Indian African Politics

The article is devoted to India’s modern policy towards African states in the context of New Delhi’s intention to strengthen its role in world affairs. Special attention is paid to the issues of increasing the importance of security and defense issues in the current Indian-African relations against the background of growing competition between New Delhi and Beijing. It is concluded that as India’s position in the world deepens and its authority on the continent increases, it increasingly claims to be the leader of the Global South and a “new regulatory force” capable of offering developing, including African, states their own development model. One of the most important means to achieve this goal is to promote Indian digital infrastructure to African countries. India sees this as a necessary element in shaping its new image as a high-tech world power. It is noted that India’s current efforts in this direction are a logical continuation of its previous projects in Africa, in particular in the field of education and health.

Problems of security and defense of the British Commonwealth at the 1937 Imperial Conference: Canada's position

The article presents an analysis of the views of the canadian delegation on security and defense issues within the framework of the British Commonwealth of Nations at the 1937 imperial conference. The contradictions between canada's position and Britain's attempts to establish closer cooperation within the Commonwealth to ensure imperial defense in the event of war are revealed. The approaches of other "white" dominions, Australia, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa, to current international political and military-strategic issues are considered, which allows them to be compared with the canadian point of view. Special attention is paid to the factor of public opinion in Canada, since a significant part of canadian society, especially the french canadian minority, was opposed to the involvement of the dominion in military conflicts abroad, which was taken into account by the canadian establishment when developing a foreign policy line. It is also shown that one of the factors influencing Canada's position was the isolationist policy of the United States, with which the dominion actively developed extensive economic and political ties. During the writing of the article, the author turned to both special historical methods and used the tools of the theory of international relations. The problem of Canada's position at the 1937 imperial conference on the security and defense of the British Commonwealth was practically ignored in Russian historiography, which prompted the author to fill in this gap in the history of, on the one hand, the transformation of the British Empire, on the other – in the prehistory of the Second World War. In this study, we rely on a wide range of diverse sources, represented by canadian, english and american documents of an official and personal nature. We conclude that the evasive position of the canadian establishment was the result of a breakdown in the coordination of the Commonwealth's defense policy and one of the factors contributing to Britain's policy of appeasing aggressors during the crisis of the Versailles-Washington system of international relations during the interwar period.

THE RISE OF RELIGIOUS CONSERVATISM IN THE U.S. SINCE THE PRESIDENCY OF DONALD TRUMP

It has long been understood that there is something peculiar, even paradoxical, about conservatism in America. For most Europeans who came to America, the whole purpose of their difficult and disruptive journey to the New World was not to conserve European institutions but to leave them behind and to create something new, often an entirely new life, and even a new identity, for themselves. Conservatives have been divided into: (1) those who are most concerned about economic or fiscal issues, that is, pro-business or “free-enterprise” conservatives; (2) those most concerned with religious or social issues, that is, pro-church or “traditional-values” conservatives; and (3) those most concerned with national-security or defense issues, that is, pro-military or “patriotic” conservatives. For a while, especially during the 1980s, it may have seemed that these three kinds of conservatives were natural allies, that they had an “elective affinity” for each other, and that there was no significant contradiction between them. In a pattern similar to that of economic conservatism, in Europe an established state church shaped religious and moral conditions. In America, particularly after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, religious and moral conditions were instead shaped by the separation of church and state and even by religious pluralism. Following the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump, many scholars have recognised the crucial role of Christian evangelical support for his triumphed victor. Here, we realize there is an interesting relation between faith and politics in the American voting system. the underlying arguments that we wish to portray in this article is: 1) that Trump facilitated more religious conservatives through a socially constructed approach, and 2) that this approach of conservatism has further led to the decline of U.S. social and political legitimacy due to the massive social issues that happened.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN INDONESIA'S DEFENSE POLICY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDING NATIONAL TRUST

Public participation is a vital aspect of democratic governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and trust between governments and citizens. In Indonesia, public engagement in defense policymaking has been limited, often hindered by bureaucratic rigidity, lack of transparency, and societal perceptions that defense is an elite domain. This study explores the challenges and opportunities for fostering public participation in defense policymaking, focusing on its potential to strengthen trust and enhance policy legitimacy. Using a qualitative approach with secondary data, the research analyzes policy documents, government reports, and scholarly literature to uncover key patterns and insights. The findings highlight significant barriers, such as hierarchical bureaucratic structures, restricted access to information, and a general lack of public connection to defense issues. However, the study also identifies promising opportunities to enhance engagement, including leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience, collaborating with civil society and academic institutions, and adopting participatory governance models. Successful examples, such as community-driven disaster preparedness programs and participatory budgeting initiatives, illustrate the potential of inclusive approaches to build trust and improve policy outcomes. The study concludes that meaningful public participation is essential for ensuring defense policies align with societal needs and foster public trust. Addressing structural barriers and institutionalizing participatory mechanisms are key steps toward achieving this goal. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on participatory governance and provide practical recommendations for enhancing collaboration and inclusivity in defense policymaking. Keywords: accountability, defense policy, public participation, transparency, trust-building

Participation of Civil Society in Security and Defense Foresight Exercises

ABSTRACTIn democratic countries, citizens are informed about economic policies, health systems, and public education, as well as the policy actions addressing these areas. However, the public often only notices security and defense policies when they are lacking. Security and defense foresight exercises are typically seen as the domain of military personnel, technology experts, and politicians, due to their experience with strategic assets and classified information. Although citizens are represented by elected politicians, security and defense issues frequently remain in the political background, overshadowed by more immediate concerns like energy availability and pricing. To increase meaningful citizen participation in security and defense issues, a well‐informed citizenry is essential. This requires knowledge of threats, civil rights, technological developments, and international affairs. The multidisciplinary nature of these topics makes selecting suitable participants for foresight exercises complex. While informed citizens can contribute to discussions on future developments and threats, such as artificial intelligence, fake news, and electoral processes, the question remains: how can citizens participate in security and defense foresight exercises? This study, based on the Spanish case, reveals that experts agree on the need for greater citizen participation in defense and security politics. However, they did not offer specific ideas or suggestions for achieving this. Consequently, a review of participatory foresight instruments was conducted, resulting in a proposed workflow for future exercises and recommendations for practice.

A Periodic Dynamic Encoding Mechanism for Stealthy Attack Detection in Distributed State Estimation

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the design and defense issues of false data injection attack in distributed state estimation. At each time step, each sensor sends its estimate to neighboring sensors. To verify the security of the received data, a column vector composed of state estimate differences is used as the detection variable. Based on the data directly obtained by the attacker in the wireless communication network, an attack strategy is established to degrade the system estimation performance while not being detected by the detector. Under the attack strategy, the update of the estimation error covariance is analyzed and the optimal attack parameters are obtained. To enhance the security of the system, a periodic dynamic encoding mechanism is proposed to prevent attackers from eavesdropping on original data, which consists of two stages: preparation stage and periodic encoding stage. It is proved that the proposed encoding mechanism can destroy the stealthiness of the attack, thus ensuring the detection ability of the detector. Numerical simulations are given to verify the results of the theoretical analysis.

Work at the Kharkiv Electromechanical and Turbo-Generator Plant on the project of electromagnetic torpedo tubes (1936–1938)

The article, based on archival documents of the Kharkiv Electromechanical Plant, highlights the activities of scientists of this enterprise during 1936–1938 on the project to create electromagnetic systems for bubble-free torpedo firing, which in today is completely new information for historians of science and technology, and for specialists in the field of electrical machine engineering too. This project arose as a result of a confluence of several circumstances, one of which was the need of the Soviet naval submarine fleet on the eve of World War II to improve itself torpedo armament with systems that would not reveal submarines when firing torpedoes from a submerged. Another circumstance was that since 1934 the Kharkiv Electromechanical Plant was the main enterprise in the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic for the production of electromechanics for ships of all classes and for all coastal defense facilities, and therefore its administration and the scientific and technical personnel who were involved in defense issues at the plant, were aware of this problem. At the same time, some of the latter, working part-time at the Kharkiv Electrotechnical Institute, from the first half of the 1930s, along with the studies problems of rotary electric machines, actively developed the direction of electric machines with the axial [linear] direction of rotor movement, and achieved significant results in this. Thus, by 1936, conditions had been formed when meeting the need to provide Soviet submarines with bubble-free torpedo firing systems became theoretically possible through the use of electromagnetic torpedo launching according to the methods developed by Kharkiv scientists for linear electric machines, and by torpedo tubes whose corresponding equipment for which’s could be manufacturing at Kharkiv Electromechanical Plant. However, this theoretical possibility required practical confirmation, for which the “Magnetic Torpedo Pusher” project was organized, carried out by the same specialists who were engaged in the study of linear electric machines both at the Kharkiv Electromechanical Plant and at the Kharkiv Electrotechnical Institute. The purpose of the project was to select a possible version of the fundamental design of an electromagnetic torpedo tube and test the functionality created according to the chosen design option using model experiments. Studies have shown that pushing a torpedo out of a torpedo tube within the framework of the modes established by the customers of the project is possible with the help of a running magnetic field, however, the electromagnetic method of launching a torpedo does not make it completely bubble-free, but only leads to a decrease in the volume of the air bubble formed during the firing. Wherein, the use of electromagnetic launch of torpedoes on existing and designed projects of Soviet submarines turned out to be impossible due to significant changes in the weight and size characteristics of the electrical power equipment, that need to be installed in this case. Meanwhile, the same degree of reduction of the air bubble without any significant additional costs has already been achieved in the designs of pneumatic torpedo tubes of Stalinets-type submarines, projected by order of the Soviet Union by German and Holland designers, which completely deprived the project of torpedo tubes with electromagnetic action of its attractiveness, and led to its closure. At the same time, despite the unsuccessful result of this project in the context of creating a bubble-free torpedo firing system, its implementation allowed Kharkiv scientists to validate and verify the methods they created for calculating and designing linear electric machines, as well as to determine the optimal designs of magnetofugal stators, which was subsequently used in the creation special electromechanical equipment for the mining and construction industries.

Калибриране на стратегическия компас за нова ера в европейската отбрана

The publication aims on the one hand to show the strategic priority for a new era in European defence in the starting mandate of the European institutions (2024-2029), and on the other hand to draw certain conclusions about the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the need to calibrate its Strategic Compass, taking into account the "inclination and deviation" in the course towards building the European Defence Union. Emphasis is placed on the need for an exponential way of strategic thinking, taking into account AI, climate, security and defence issues as cross-cutting elements for all EU policies.

A LITERATURE SURVEY ON CLOUD COMPUTING SECURITY

Cloud computing is computing that give memory, databases, interacting medium, intelligence, software and coherent over the internet. Cloud computing means exposing resources over the internet to valid users and malicious attackers. A renter’s assets can be accessed via web browsers, remote connections, APIs and so on. Cloud assistance is carrying out remotely and virtually every time from an off-premises data processing center. That’s why there is a need to improve security risks to keep data secure from the theft and destruction. Cloud services control computing infrastructure efficiently. Certain work traces the overview for cloud safety matters, currently validate strategies, evidence depot methodologies. This paper also illustrates the comparison between the various cloud security schemes. In the end that work outlines future investigation area related to evidence safety and privations defense issues in cloud.

On the Issue of Defense and Protection of Rights to the National Olympic Emblem in the Russian Federation

Introduction: the legal protection of Olympic symbols in the Russian Federation is based on the institution of recognition of unfair competition provided for by the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition,” which is discussed in this paper. Purpose: consider the effect of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” in relation to the rules for the defense and protection of rights to the national Olympic emblem. Methods: the methods of deduction were used (in terms of the reception by the national legislation of the main provisions of the Olympic Charter on the possibility of using symbols only subject to an appropriate agreement with the International Olympic Committee) and induction (in the study of the requirements imposed on the national Olympic emblem by the international normative legal acts). Results: the paper analyzes the national Olympic emblems in the context of their definition in the Olympic Charter, systematizes the aspects of regulating national Olympic symbols that are used by states to individualize the venue of specific Olympic Games, to convey to the public the concepts and traditions of the state in the modern world (for a situation when the games are held in a particular state and they create a special Olympic symbol, characterizing such a state and specific Olympic Games), and the rights to them. Conclusions: the paper concludes that the fourth part of the Russian Federation’s Civil Code should regulate the legitimate use of sporting event symbols, taking into account the need to comply with international acts in cases where the sporting event is of an international nature.

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND STATE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS OF VIETNAM'S SEAS AND ISLANDS

Vietnam's seas and islands greatly influence political and legal life for national, regional, and international development in history, present, and future. The article analyzes the need and importance of capacity building for civil servants and state management organizations on seas and islands in the context of developing the marine economy and protecting Vietnam's sea and island sovereignty. With a long coastline and a rich island system, Vietnam is facing many challenges from resource exploitation, and climate change to national security and defense issues. The article discusses the current status of the sea and island management capacity of civil servants, officials, and related organizations, including limitations in expertise, management skills, and the ability to respond to complex situations. The article also proposes strategic solutions to improve management capacity through training, professional development, enhanced international cooperation, and application of modern technology in sea and island management. The article emphasizes that improving the capacity of civil servants and state management organizations is the key to effectively implementing policies for sustainable marine economic development and protecting national maritime interests, making an important contribution to the comprehensive development of Vietnam.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0712/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Juozas Šibaila-Merainis

During the investigation it was established that the case of Juozas Šibaila, one of the freedom fighters, can be regarded as an individual’s voluntary act of joining the guerrilla struggles. His decision most likely was determined by the factors between some groups. First of all, these were national and cultural values and the position on the issue of defence of the state. They are testified to by professional (teacher’s) activities and his active participation in different public organisations: the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the Lithuanian National Youth Union ‘Jaunoji Lietuva’ (Young Lithuania), also, possible cooperation with intelligence of Lithuania, organising local rebel groups in 1941, membership in the Local Force. This has to be assumed that it was purely personal reasons that greatly influenced the crucial decision to become a partisan – the desire to take revenge on the Soviets for deporting his family, the perception that there was nowhere to draw back – Juozas Šibaila, as an unreliable social element, had been the focus of the repressive structures of the occupiers since 1940. After the re-occupation, he was threatened with being taken to court and sentenced to death for taking part in the persecutions of Soviet activists and for other kinds of activities carried out in the summer of 1941. Juozas Šibaila, a teacher and an active propagator of nationality, had the authority and enjoyed high reputation in the environs of his place of residence, which he always tried to maintain and justify; hence, his early joining armed resistance, organising the first groups of partisans seems quite natural. His work in the headquarters of different underground structures where he was responsible for publishing the press and proclamations, preparing documents necessary for centralisation or their drafts, successful attempts to draw as many teachers in the fights for freedom as possible, which took the greatest part of time of Juozas Šibaila as a partisan, as well as the analysis of his personal correspondence, allows us to state that this person was perfectly aware of the importance and significance of public, ideological-intellectual component to the fights for freedom. Such external attributes as codenames of Diedukas and Merainis which are atypical of a freedom fighter, the appearance resembling an ordinary peasant, suggest that the image of a fighter-hero was alien to him. He was a strict, authoritative and respected leader of partisans who managed to establish close, family relations with his brothers-in-arms. The importance and significance of Juozas Šibaila to the post-war armed underground is undeniable. In his ideological texts Juozas Šibaila-Merainis spoke mainly about political aspirations of the Union of Lithuanian Freedom Fighters (ULFF) and moral-spiritual side of the fights. According to him, close links of democracy and Christian morality relatedd these spheres. He tended to treat partisan resistance to the Soviets, first and foremost, as a struggle for the well-being of all humanity determined and inspired by the Lord. Having examined Juozas Šibaila’s written legacy in this field, as well as the way he was valued by the members of the underground, it can be stated that, on the one hand, the majority of the values and concepts fostered therein may be fundamental and inseparable from armed post-war resistance, and, on the other hand, their presentation and the chosen means of expression seemed to the majority of the partisans difficult to understand and were unacceptable. It might be that a large part of partisans, unlike Juozas Šibaila, imagined fights for freedom simply as war waged by the members of the underground for freedom of the state rather than that of an individual. Consequently, though Merainis’ above-mentioned texts were significant and valuable, in some cases it cannot be stated that they had a considerable impact on the world outlook of an ordinary partisan or a common peasant.

Implicações da Guerra da Ucrânia na segurança da União Europeia: incremento da supranacionalização?

This article aims to examine the impact of the Ukrainian War on the security architecture of the European Union as it relates to the Common Security and Defense Policy. We attempt to contextualize the Union’s response to the war and its consequences for policies, institutions and borders within the Common Security and Defense Policy framework. To this end, we examine how an external event – the war – acted as a spillover, leading to greater convergence on security and defense issues and a gradual tendency towards the supranationalization of security and defense matters.