External Threats Research Articles

Экономическая безопасность и мобилизационная экономика России в условиях санкционного давления

The article deals with the theoretical and methodological foundations of economic security as a key factor of sustainable development of the national economy. The author focuses on the need for a comprehensive approach to the analysis of internal and external threats to economic stability, identifies the key components of economic security and their relationship with the socio-economic policy of the state. The analysis of topical issues of economic security in the conditions of unprecedented sanctions pressure and partial mobilization is presented. The role of mobilization economy and its relationship with economic security is shown. Special attention is paid to the tools for monitoring and assessing the level of economic security, as well as strategic priorities in the formation of an effective system of its provision in the context of global challenges. As a result of the research, the main directions of improving the state policy in the field of economic security are identified: strengthening coordination between economic sectors, development of strategic planning, strengthening national sovereignty in critical industries. Recommendations to improve the level of economic security of the country are given.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE AS A TOOL FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE FRONTLINE REGION

The article examines key issues related to the protection of the population – namely, the preservation of life and health under emergency situations of a military nature. It analyzes the problems of psychological adaptation and the preservation of mental health among staff, academic personnel, and higher education students under the influence of potential external threats in frontline Zaporizhzhia. Purpose. The aim of the study was to determine the degree to which the psychological state of participants in the educational process influences the effectiveness of learning core academic disciplines. The possibility of implementing a psychological testing program was examined in order to account for the emotional state of students and university staff, and to improve the forms and methods of education under the constant pressure of external threats. Design/Methodology/Approach. To achieve the research objectives, relevant publications and practical approaches to assessing the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral state of individuals were analyzed, as well as the potential of implementing diagnostic testing programs. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the likelihood of obsessive-compulsive disorder; the GAD-7 scale – to measure anxiety levels; and the PHQ-9 questionnaire – to identify symptoms of depression. In November 2024 and April 2025, 120 students, academic staff, and employees – equally male and female, aged 18 to 50+, took part in the study. Findings. The test results showed that the majority (approximately 60%) of students and staff were able to psychologically adapt to external threats. Over 10% of respondents exhibited high or very high levels of anxiety, a tendency toward depression, and worsening mental health over the past six months of the war. The psychophysiological condition of individuals significantly affects learning outcomes, levels of self-esteem, motivational characteristics, and confidence in the future. Practical implications. The obtained results can be used to improve the forms and methods of the educational process. The findings indicate that personalized learning, the creation of individual tasks and approaches, one-on-one consultations, and active communication between teachers and students are essential for the prevention of psycho-emotional stress and possible signs of depression during wartime in Ukraine.

Problems in Avocado Farming and Solutions: The Case of Alanya, Türkiye

The study aims to evaluate the problems faced by avocado producers in Alanya and propose solutions using the SWOT analysis method. The study's materials include interviews with the Alanya District Directorate of Agriculture, the directorate Water User Association of the 134th Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, the Chamber of Agriculture, the Avocado Association, and various agricultural firms. The results of the SWOT analysis reveal that Alanya possesses significant advantages for avocado production, such as favourable climate conditions, high demand for avocados, low production costs, and the use of quality seedlings. Additionally, the education of producers and the high yield of avocados are identified as factors that enhance production efficiency. However, weaknesses such as the need for organization, early harvest issues, urbanization, and uncertified seedling practices negatively impact production quality and efficiency. Insufficient agricultural analyses and irrigation pricing issues are also significant challenges. On the other hand, opportunities such as high supply, export possibilities to European and Russian markets, industrial usage options, and the expansion of the domestic market have the potential to increase the economic gains of producers. Providing necessary training and developing new varieties can further improve production quality and efficiency. Threats such as lack of education in agricultural activities, financial concerns, neglect of plant water consumption, and improper irrigation methods adversely affect production efficiency and quality. External threats, including climate change, theft, water quality issues, and uncontrolled production increases during the pandemic, are also significant risks faced by avocado producers. Measures to address these threats are crucial for the sustainability of avocado production.

Turning Fear Into a Weapon for Change in Response to Threats: A Partnership Approach

This study examines the management of negative emotions and organizational change in firms facing external threats. Employing a diverse sampling strategy, we conducted a multiple-case study of nine firms in China that have undergone three types of external threats: technological transformation, policy change, and increasing competition since 2010. The study finds that fear simultaneously drives middle managers’ inertial behavior (internal fear) and willingness to change (external fear). This study also finds that partnership, which redefines middle managers’ roles as “entrepreneurs” and the relationship between top managers and middle managers as business “partners,” mitigates organizational rigidity by simultaneously changing middle managers’ external and internal fears. Specifically, we identify three essential elements of partnership that grant middle managers’ independence from assessment, independence in decision making, and independence from structural constraints, and we reveal their distinct roles in changing middle managers’ emotions under threat.

Features of the constitutional and legal regulation of the energy security system of the Republic of Kazakhstan: current state and prospects

The article discusses issues related to the definition of mechanisms and legislative provision of energy securi-ty. The relevance of the study is due to the emergence of new challenges and threats in this area, which re-quires timely response and legislative consolidation of the necessary measures. Energy security is an essential aspect of national security, as it directly affects the stability of the State, its economic development and the social well-being of citizens. In the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the concept of “energy securi-ty” is characterized by its versatility and breadth, however, there is no clear definition in regulatory legal acts. In some cases, it is mentioned only descriptively. In turn, the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, laws and other regulatory legal acts do not provide a sufficiently clear definition of the concept of “energy se-curity”. It is necessary to develop an algorithm of legal argumentation for a clear and precise definition of this term in legislation. This will create a more specific and understandable legal framework for ensuring energy security. As a result, we will be able to better understand what responsibilities the state, private companies and citizens have in protecting energy resources and infrastructure. Since energy security is an integral part of national security, the precise definition of this concept in the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan will contribute to strengthening stability in the state. This will allow the government to coordinate its efforts to protect energy resources more effectively and make the country more resilient to external and internal threats.

MONITORING OF CYBER RISKS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY

The financial sector of the economy is an attractive target for cyber-attacks because it plays an important role in intermediating the movement of funds. The article is devoted to monitoring cyber risks that may affect the functioning of electronic services. It is established that in the practical sphere, cyber-attacks are growing exponentially every year, but in the scientific sphere, considerable attention is paid to the identified issues, namely, cyber risks. In today's market environment, the communication architecture is based on the fact that financial institutions are critical to global commercial activities, as well as operations at the local, national and international levels of economic activity. The key objective of the study was to identify, classify and monitor cyber risks caused by both internal and external cyber threats in the financial sector.The study found that cyber risks for the financial sector mainly relate to the leakage of customer data or certain corporate information, financial losses, forced interruptions in the operation of electronic services, and ultimately the loss of reputational capital and mutual trust. During the bibliometric analysis, the author identified scientific papers that characterise the essence, systematise methodological tools, study classifications of cyber risks in the context of financial activities, and identify opportunities to overcome them in order to ensure cyber resilience. An original matrix of the relationship between the identified scientific clusters and cyber risks in the financial sector is proposed, which will allow us to focus on the development of promising solutions to overcome them.Financial sector institutions are in constant need of developing recommendations for protection against the negative impact of cyber risks, as they still use outdated electronic systems that are not resistant to the threats of possible cyber attacks. The conclusions confirm the relevance and importance of dealing with cyber risks in the financial sector to ensure stability and increase confidence in electronic services.

SCENARIO APPROACH TO CHOOSING A STRATEGY FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY

The article defines a comprehensive approach to financing components of national security, covering the military, economic, social and energy spheres. The importance of a balanced distribution of resources, based on quantitative and qualitative analysis, in particular on econometric models and expert assessments, is proven. The feasibility of using a scenario approach, which includes modelling possible options for system transitions between different states, considered discrete-time chains, is substantiated. It is established that simultaneous attention to comprehensive monitoring, control mechanisms and regulatory framework contributes to a more efficient use of financial resources and reduces vulnerability to external and internal threats. It is established that the successful activation of mechanisms for financing components of security involves a preliminary assessment of priorities, strategic planning, interdepartmental coordination, regular monitoring and adjustment. It is substantiated that such an approach ensures sustainable growth, minimizes domestic political risks and creates a basis for effective cooperation with international partners. As a result, the article proves the vital need for a comprehensive, systematic and flexible financial policy aimed at protecting the long-term interests of the state in the context of modern challenges to national security.

НАУКОВО-ПРАКТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ РОЗБУДОВИ ТА УПРАВЛІННЯ СИСТЕМОЮ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА НА ОСНОВІ ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ ЦИФРОВИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

The article studies the scientific and practical aspects of the development and management of the system of economic security of the enterprise based on innovative digital technologies. The relevance of the topic of the study is due to the fact that in modern conditions of digitalization of all areas of activity, development and functioning of the enterprise itself, processes and work of all functional subsystems of the enterprise, including organizational and managerial, logistics, operational, production, marketing and security, is carried out using digital technologies. Technologies act as a means of performing tasks, activities, actions with the use of software, machinery, equipment, as a technical and technological basis due to which activities are carried out. That is why the study of scientific and practical aspects of the development and management of the system of economic security of an enterprise based on the use of innovative digital technologies has an important role and importance. The article is aimed at studying the scientific and practical aspects of building and managing the system of economic security of an enterprise based on innovative digital technologies. The methodological basis of the study was the methods of scientific cognition: analysis and synthesis, system approach, structural, process, complex, functional scientific approaches. The obtained scientific results consist in structuring the elements of management of the system of economic security of the enterprise, which is a complex of components and elements that are interconnected and interact with each other and provide planning and implementation of strategic, tactical, operational actions and measures in order to protect the enterprise from external and internal threats, and to ensure the stability of the enterprise to the impact of negative factors, stability of functioning and further Development. The components of the system of economic security of enterprises are structured, which include subjects and objects of management; security concept; Strategy; Functions; Principles; components of the economic security system; a management mechanism that includes management methods, tools and technologies, including digital technologies, as well as a set of resources necessary for the implementation of actions and measures with the active use of innovative digital technologies. Prospects for further research are the need for a more detailed study of the formation of an effective management mechanism in the system of economic security of an enterprise, based on the widespread use of modern tools and means of innovative digital management technologies, which will ensure the effectiveness of planning and implementation of security actions with less expenditure of resources and growth of financial and economic results of functioning in the conditions of modern challenges and Threats.

VILLAGE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY BASED ON VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT INDEX (IDM) IN DUSUN BARU 1 VILLAGE, CENTRAL BENGKULU REGENCY

Dusun Baru I Village, located in Pondok Kubang District, Central Bengkulu Regency, faced several challenges in its development. This study aimed to formulate a development strategy for Dusun Baru I Village based on the Village Development Index (IDM) and determine the village's position in the SWOT quadrant based on internal and external factors. Dusun Baru I Village encountered limited access to capital and a low utilization of local potential. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method, which aimed to analyze objects, conditions, human groups, or other phenomena in their natural state without experimental intervention. Data collection techniques included interviews, documentation, and questionnaires. The results of the IDM analysis indicated that Dusun Baru I Village had a score of 0.7857, categorizing it as an advanced village. IDM consisted of three indexes, and in this study, the environmental resilience index had the highest score. This finding suggested that Dusun Baru I Village had a well-managed environmental system with minimal disaster risks that could hinder village development. Meanwhile, the social resilience index showed that the social aspect of this village was already strong. This reflected a high level of education, adequate healthcare, and well-preserved cultural and social diversity, which contributed to a stable social condition that supported village development. However, the economic resilience index indicated that the village’s economic aspect remained a major challenge. The SWOT analysis placed this village in Quadrant II, which suggested the need for a diversification strategy to address greater external threats than the available opportunities. The proposed alternative strategies included utilizing land for public facilities, strengthening the village transportation system to support agricultural product distribution, and optimizing digital technology for micro-business marketing and disaster response information systems. Keywords: developing village indeks, development strategy, SWOT

STUDY OF THE FOREIGN TRADE SECURITY OF REGIONS IN THE FACE OF EXTERNAL THREATS

Global challenges, primarily related to the war in Ukraine, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated the issue of the resilience of national economies to changes in the external environment. Security factors are becoming decisive in the formation of economic development strategies, the implementation of foreign policy, and the implementation of export-import operations. The ramifications and scale of global supply chains remain a tangible challenge for most countries of the world and their regions. Today, most participants in foreign economic activity are trying to reduce existing risks by diversifying the product range, expanding the circle of trade partners at the expense of “friendly” countries, etc. This situation highlights the importance of assessing the foreign trade security of regions to strengthen the country's economic resilience in conditions of a sharp decline in export potential, disruption of established logistics supply chains, the underdevelopment of border infrastructure for freight transportation, the prevalence of raw materials in the export structure, the lack of human resources, the aggravation of the general security situation, etc. The aim of the article is to develop a methodological approach for assessing the foreign trade security of regions in conditions of external challenges and to test it on the example of the regions of Ukraine. The taxonomic analysis method was used to assess the foreign trade security of the regions of Ukraine and to study its current risks and challenges. Based on the systematic comparative analysis of foreign trade security of the regions of Ukraine used in the work, a rating assessment of the regions of the country has been carried out, which allows to determine the position of each region among other Ukrainian regions in terms of the level of foreign trade security, to reveal factors affecting the dynamics of changes in the main security indicators, to identify the features of the economic development of each region and their resilience in the face of external threats. The results of the research will be useful both for researchers in the field of foreign economic activity and for economic security and politicians in the field of trade and economic policy.

PUBLIC SPENDING AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN TIMES OF CRISIS: EMPIRICAL TESTING OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Improving planning and increasing the efficiency of public expenditures, as well as determining their optimal structure, are crucial tasks for a country's development. However, these tasks become significantly more complex under conditions of uncertainty and are particularly relevant during economic crises. This study examines the characteristics and trends of the impact of public spending on economic growth during crisis periods in developed countries. A systematic methodological approach is applied in combination with statistical research methods. Several authorial hypotheses have been confirmed: according to Wagner's law, an increase in public expenditures should be accompanied by GDP growth; the socio-economic development of a country is determined not only by the volume but also by the efficiency of public financial resource utilization (in line with Keynes' hypothesis); the level of GDP redistribution through the state budget is sensitive to crises; local budgets are less affected by financial and economic crises; and in the face of external threats, especially when a country is involved in a military conflict, the role of the state increases. The study results provide several managerial recommendations aimed at improving the public investment system for local development.

СУЧАСНІ ПОГЛЯДИ, ТРАКТУВАННЯ ТА КОНТЕКСТИ КРИЗИ В ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙ

This article explores the definition of crisis in the modern economic and management literature in the context of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the long state of war, which has actualized the need to reconsider the nature of crisis phenomena in activity of companies. The authors highlight the multi significance of the term "crisis" and analyze it through the prism of various scientific approaches — including its interpretation as a stage in the company’s life cycle, a disruption of economic balance and a potential for changes etcetera. Based on an analysis of the modern Ukrainian research, the article outlines key definitions and changes in scientific approaches. Special attention is paid to the challenges of the new management reality: growing uncertainty, destructive external factors, necessity of the scenario planning and digitalization of management processes. The authors approve the necessity of transformation from traditional financial and economic tools to the integration of behavioral and psychological factors in anti-crisis management. The role of cognitive biases, the psychology of decision-making, the emotional stability of managers and teams, as well as adaptive behavior and organizational culture are highlighted among them. It is summarized that modern crisis management goes out of the reaction to external threats and increasingly has been focusing on the human factor as a key element of the viability of enterprises. The approaches, presented in the article, can become the basis for further research and development of practical tools for Ukrainian companies in conditions of long-term crises.

How swarm size affects soldier crab swarming behavior

Abstract Collective vigilance has commonly been considered as one of the possible hypotheses explaining swarming in (social) animals. According to this theory, by engaging in cooperative monitoring of the environment, groups of social animals can enhance threat detection and overall survival. At the same time, this enables them to spend more time foraging and engaging in social activities. In this study, we report a behavior observed in soldier crabs challenging some aspects of collective vigilance. Laboratory experiments were performed at three swarm density levels (low, medium, and high) to check whether crabs are able to collectively adapt their motion to the changing environment (a moving light). Results show that only medium densities allow dynamic realignment with the moving light, whereas no collective motion is shown at low densities, and changes do not occur at high density. Experimental results were qualitatively backed by ecological observations, in which we show that above a specific threshold of swarm sizes, individuals fail to detect external threats (such as a passing bus) and/or do not change behavior in response to this environmental stimulus. In general, our results hint at the fact that the ability of swarms to collectively adapt to external conditions depends on swarm density. Further, we show that the ability to self-organize has a non-linear relationship with swarm density. Our study highlights the importance of considering complex systems from a closer microscopic perspective based on the ability of individuals to detect changes in the surrounding environment along with the interactions among them.

INNOVATIVE TOOLS FOR IMPROVING THE ORGANIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES IN THE CONDITIONS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION

Purpose. To investigate and substantiate the use of innovative tools to improve the organization of construction processes in the face of military challenges, aimed at increasing their efficiency, efficiency and resilience to external threats. Methodology. In the context of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine, modern construction faces many challenges that require new approaches and solutions. The use of innovative technologies, automation of processes, the use of modern materials and construction methods, as well as the development of logistics infrastructure and financing are key factors for ensuring the effective implementation of projects and the restoration of the country's infrastructure. comparative analysis of modern digital technologies, modeling of organizational decisions, as well as expert assessment of the effectiveness of innovative methods in the field of construction. An integral part is the use of innovative technologies to optimize the processes of organizing construction for complex production systems. These technologies will contribute to increasing productivity, quality and efficiency of project implementation. Originality. The adaptation of modern digital technologies to crisis conditions has been substantiated. Methods of optimization of resource provision and logistics have been identified, taking into account the risks of war. The article considers the latest technologies, digital tools and organizational solutions that contribute to increasing the resilience and adaptability of the construction industry in crisis conditions. The analysis of scientific papers has proved the importance of introducing innovative approaches that allow optimizing the processes of planning, execution and control construction works. Findings. Recommendations for the implementation of digital solutions in construction processes have been developed, which contribute to accelerating design, improving control over resources and minimizing the impact of crisis factors on the industry. environmental standards and the use of innovative technologies. Practical value. The proposed tools can be used to increase the resilience of construction enterprises, reduce logistical risks, rationally allocate resources and ensure the continuity of construction under martial law.

Comparison of methods for calculating the parameters of an explosion shock wave for the design of protective engineering structures

The military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, through the use of the full range of enemy aerial attack means not only against military targets but also against critical infrastructure objects (hereinafter – CIOs) [1, 2] and other civilian facilities, has brought significant changes in the construction of protective and civil defense structures. The current regulatory documents [3] were developed under the assumption of a single nuclear explosion occurring at a considerable distance from the facility, which is why the design of building structures was carried out without taking into account other damaging factors [4]. The realities of the war have shown that the enemy’s use of high-precision weapons in the form of kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (hereinafter – UAVs) and various types of missiles requires the immediate development of unified approaches to the construction of modern, highly reliable protective and fortification structures. Today, Ukraine is actively implementing the “Fortress Country” concept, approved by a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. This concept envisions integrated protection of CIOs and other strategically important facilities, which includes the organization of layered air defense systems similar to those used in Israel, the United States, and other countries. This approach is combined with comprehensive civil and engineering protection measures, electronic warfare systems, the deployment of decoys, camouflage, the shift from large strategic facilities to smaller, dispersed ones, as well as the transition to natural energy sources. Altogether, these measures are expected to significantly increase the country’s resilience to external threats during martial law. Ukraine must develop a regulatory framework ensuring that, when designing fortification and engineering protection structures for CIOs and other critical objects, new threats from enemy aerial attacks are duly considered.

METHODS OF ENSURING CYBERSECURITY IN HIGHLY LOADED COMPUTER SYSTEMS USING SMART CONTRACTS

The development of high-load computing systems in modern information environments represents a critical aspect of technological progress, necessitating the creation of innovative approaches to cybersecurity. The increasing intensity of data exchange, the complexity of computational processes, and the growing number of interacting nodes pose significant challenges to traditional information security methods. Classical centralized security models are gradually losing their effectiveness due to the high risk of data processing center compromise, the vulnerability to denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, unauthorized access, and system exploits. These risks emphasize the necessity of implementing decentralized security mechanisms that can withstand emerging cyber threats and ensure the reliability of high-load computing infrastructures. This article presents a conceptual approach to enhancing the cybersecurity of high-load computing systems through the integration of blockchain technology and smart contracts. A comprehensive analysis of current threats and risks inherent in such systems has been conducted, along with an investigation into the efficiency of smart contracts in user authentication, access control, data verification, and attack prevention. Particular attention is given to the advantages of decentralized security solutions, including the elimination of single points of failure, the enhancement of transparency in security processes, and the automation of control mechanisms. The study also evaluates the resilience of blockchain-based security frameworks in mitigating both internal and external cyber threats. The proposed architectural model leverages smart contracts for managing access to computing resources, verifying transaction integrity, and minimizing the impact of external threats. The analysis of recent research in blockchain technologies and their application in high-load environments provides insights into the feasibility and advantages of such an approach. By utilizing smart contracts, it becomes possible to automate security procedures, reduce reliance on centralized authentication servers, and ensure that system interactions remain tamper-proof and resistant to adversarial attacks. The research findings indicate that integrating smart contracts into high-load computing systems enhances cybersecurity by automating data verification processes, eliminating intermediaries in transactions, and strengthening resilience against attacks. Furthermore, the study outlines promising directions for future research, including the optimization of smart contract execution mechanisms to reduce computational overhead and the integration of blockchain-based solutions into hybrid security models that combine decentralized and centralized approaches. This approach offers a strategic pathway for developing robust, scalable, and resilient cybersecurity frameworks tailored to the needs of high-performance computing infrastructures.

Digitalisation as a tool for economic security of a modern organisation

The article examines the role of digital technologies and IT (information technologies) tools in ensuring economic security of a modern organisation. We analyse the impact of globalisation and increased competition on the need to implement modern digital solutions for managing economic activities and assessing the legality of business processes. The authors substantiate the importance of digitalisation for improving the speed, accuracy, and reliability of the economic security system as well as for countering external threats and realising corporate interests. The significance of an integrated approach to the implementation of the digital technologies and creation of a unified digital economic security system for the organisation is emphasised. Based on a survey of experts from various industrial enterprises, the most promising digital tools and technologies for its insurance in the next five years are identified. The problematic area of the article is digital technologies and IT tools used to improve the level of economic security of an organisation in the context of digital transformation. The purpose of the study is to identify the existing approaches to the practical use of them as an important element of the internal control system that ensures the economic security of a business entity. The main results of the can be applied in practice when solving case studies and management tasks at the level of company leaders, government institutions, and can also be included in the programme when studying the course “Economic security”.

The ‘threat’ of ‘conversions’: cultural violence in the 2008 anti-Christian violence in India

ABSTRACT With the rise of the Hindu nationalist movement in India, a system of anti-Christian violence has emerged. This article explores the movement’s justifications of physical and structural violence against India’s Christians, casting them as a form of cultural violence. It argues that Hindutva’s broad conception and portrayal of India’s Christians as a demographic, cultural and political ‘threat’ allows justifications for violence to be deployed adroitly and flexibly across varying state contexts, and the national level. The portrayal as an internal and external threat enables the movement to escalate tropes about the Christian ‘threat’, as and when required to justify direct and structural violence. Thus, making the system of anti-Christian violence in India more potent. By examining newspaper archives, civil society and government reports, and documents and speeches of Hindutva-aligned organisations, this article revisits the 2008 anti-Christian violence, primarily in Orissa and Karnataka, India’s worst episode of anti-Christian violence.

What about the migrants? An exploration of organisational change in an asylum seeker and refugee voluntary sector organisation

Given the increased financial and social threats to the voluntary sector in the United Kingdom since the 2008 recession, a historical approach is vital to understanding organisational longevity and adaptability. This article uses a medium-sized asylum seeker and refugee organisation as a case study to illustrate how policy shifts regarding migration and the voluntary sector presented key survival challenges and opportunities. The study challenges the notion that expanding activities inevitably causes mission drift, as the organisation’s core social justice ethos provided continuity in its response to external threats. It also emphasises the importance of a strongly embedded organisational culture in the work of staff and leadership, enabling adaptability to the evolving needs of marginalised groups and the broader external environment.

STATE ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY AS A KEY FACTOR AFFECTING ITS ECONOMIC SECURITY

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between economic sovereignty and the level of economic security of NATO's eastern flank states, with particular focus on the impact that the degree of economic independence has on the ability of the state to ensure stability, resilience and the development of its economy. The study aims to understand how economic sovereignty of the state translates into its ability to ensure stability, resilience and economic development. By analysing selected indicators of economic sovereignty and economic security, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the role of economic sovereignty in the context of ensuring economic security of the state. For the purpose of the study, a critical analysis of the literature and a statistical analysis were used to assess the relationship between economic sovereignty and state economic security. The study covers 9 countries of NATO's eastern flank, which include: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. The analysis was conducted at different levels of aggregation, focusing on the macroeconomic analysis of the national economies under study. The main research problem of this study is an attempt to find an answer to the question of whether the economic sovereignty of the state is an important determinant of its level of economic security, providing greater independence, control over resources and the ability to effectively manage economic policy. The study aims to identify the key determinants of economic sovereignty, to analyse mechanisms through which economic sovereignty influences economic security and to assess the consequences of this influence on the economic development of the state. The assumption that a higher level of economic sovereignty positively influences the economic security of states by providing them with greater stability and resilience in the case of external economic, political and financial crises was adopted as the primary research hypothesis. In order to achieve the stated aim of the article, the Perkal method was also used to accurately assess the relationship between economic sovereignty and economic security, taking into account both internal and external factors affecting both variables. The results of the analysis, based on a correlation coefficient of 0.69, indicate a strong positive correlation between economic sovereignty and the level of economic security of NATO's eastern flank countries. This implies that states with higher economic sovereignty, characterised by greater independence and the ability to manage resources and economic policies effectively, achieve a higher level of economic stability, which promotes their resilience to crises and external threats. The study also provided an understanding that economic sovereignty not only enables states to better manage their resources, but also gives them greater flexibility and capacity to make economic decisions, which affects their long-term development and security.