International Security Research Articles

A paradigm shift in international security as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine war

This article presents the main features of the historical genesis of the international security paradigm shift from its institutionalisation to the present day. It is shown that such genesis is sinusoidal in nature and related to the well-known 'Kondratiev waves', except that, unlike the latter, it is not economic in nature, but security in nature. In a historical and geopolitical context, five successive shifts in the international security paradigm (Pre-Systemic, Westphalian, Vienna, Versailles, Yalta-Potsdam, Unipolar) are distinguished as a normatively recognised system of international relations of war and peace, based on all countries' adherence to universally recognised principles and norms of international law, as enshrined in relevant international treaties. The main factors of the end of the era of the unipolar world and the growing role of 'fragile' states in the international security environment as potential objects of international military interventions and spaces for the deployment of local conflicts and wars were characterised. It was concluded that the war in Ukraine is a key trigger for a new paradigm shift in international security and the emergence of a new system of international relations, and that the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian war will determine the 'starting positions' and strong arguments in the hands of the United States of America and its allies against China and its allies during the inevitable new global security conference on the creation of a new world order.

RUSSIA’S HYBRID WARFARE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: GEOPOLITICAL STRATEGIES AND PROXY ACTORS

This paper examines Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the Western Balkans, focusing on using direct and indirect methods to exert influence in the region. The study delves into Russia’s strategic use of media manipulation, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, alongside its employment of proxy state and non-state actors such as Serbia, Republika Srpska, and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Leveraging historical, cultural, and religious ties, Russia seeks to destabilize the Western Balkans and prevent closer integration with NATO and the European Union. Special attention is given to the geopolitics of elections, where Russia manipulates electoral processes in countries like Montenegro and North Macedonia to favour pro-Russian or anti-Western political forces. By analyzing key case studies, this paper explores how Russian hybrid warfare exploits regional vulnerabilities—such as ethnic divisions and weak political institutions—while employing tactics of soft power and military cooperation. The findings indicate that Russia’s hybrid warfare, including electoral manipulation, poses a significant threat to regional stability and international security, underscoring the need for strengthened Western engagement to counter Russian influence. This study offers critical insights into the evolving nature of hybrid warfare and its implications for the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Europe.

‘Cyber-rattling: can ‘pre-positioning’ in cyberspace amount to a threat of the use of force under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter?

ABSTRACT Pre-positioning is the process by which computer code is installed on the network or system of a rival state, to allow for future hostile cyber activity if required. This process is a critical concern for states given its potential for destabilisation in international security. Consideration of how international law, specifically Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, governs pre-positioning is therefore important. Analysis of threats of force in cyberspace remains under-studied however, and threats of force are undefined in the UN Charter. This article identifies the key criteria for a threat of force, and concludes that although cyber pre-positioning could in some circumstances result in a use of force, it is unlikely that it is communicated in sufficiently precise terms, beyond that of ‘cyber brandishing’, to amount to a threat of force. The article considers what this may mean for states’ ability to respond to cyber pre-positioning.

The construction of international wetland urban ecological security pattern coupled with MSPA and ESF.

Creating an ecological security pattern is crucial for balancing the sustainable development of areas where human activities and the natural environment intersect. Using Hefei, an internationally recognized Wetland City, as a case study, we extracted ecological sources through ecological service function (ESF) analysis and morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) core area connectivity analysis. Based on these ecological sources, we developed an ecological resistance surface system and identified ecological corridors and nodes using circuit theory. The findings are as follows: (1) Ecological source areas: The primary ecological sources in Hefei are located in the water bodies, forested areas, and scattered grasslands in the central and eastern parts of the city. This ecological source area covers 978.96 km2, which constitutes 8.55% of the city's total area. (2) Ecological corridors: Hefei contains 43 ecological corridors with a total length of 940.3km, averaging 21.87km each. These corridors are crucial for maintaining ecological connectivity and facilitating species movement. (3) Ecological nodes: There are 13 significant ecological nodes in Hefei, including 6 ecological obstacle points and 7 ecological pinpoints. These nodes play a vital role in supporting ecological processes and ensuring habitat connectivity. (4) Evaluation metrics: The α and β values for the source identification method that integrates MSPA with ecological service functions were 2.15 and 0.8, respectively, which are higher than those of the control group. Conversely, the γ-value was 0.18, lower than that of the control group. These results indicate that the combined ecological source extraction method provides significant advantages in terms of ecological corridor integrity, connectivity, and ecological flow management.

Operation Interflex: a change in the character of security force assistance?

ABSTRACT The concept of Security Force Assistance (SFA) emerged during the Global War on Terror mainly as a consequence of the increased practice of train, advise, and assist operations. This reflected the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, Iraq, and many African countries in which Western armies trained and assisted local forces in the fight against modern insurgencies. The use of SFA has continued ever since, nevertheless the Russia-Ukraine war has shifted the emphasis of European countries on training the Ukrainian forces for the fight against a conventional opponent. This article explores the consequences of this shift for the character of SFA. Using qualitative data, a comparison is made between the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, and the current application of SFA in the Ukrainian context as embodied in Operation Interflex. Whilst the nature of SFA remains unchanged, the character of SFA changes when used to address regular threats.

Multidimensional conflicts over disarmament and international security: analyzing speeches in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly

Abstract In this article, we explore the rhetorical space structuring the debates in the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) Committee on Disarmament and International Security. To this end, we unfold states' speeches by combining three established methods. First, we estimate terms' relevance for latent topics structuring the debates with structural topic modeling. Second, we estimate topic-specific positions based on the Wordfish algorithm. Third, we map these positions onto a lower-dimensional rhetorical space using principal component analysis. We identify two latent conflicts. First, a debate over conventional weapons with states emphasizing security interests on the one end and humanitarian interests on the other. Second, a conflict over weapons of mass destruction that divides defenders and challengers of the status quo.

RUSSIA’S HYBRID WARFARE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: GEOPOLITICAL STRATEGIES AND PROXY ACTORS

This paper examines Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the Western Balkans, focusing on using direct and indirect methods to exert influence in the region. The study delves into Russia’s strategic use of media manipulation, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, alongside its employment of proxy state and non-state actors such as Serbia, Republika Srpska, and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Leveraging historical, cultural, and religious ties, Russia seeks to destabilize the Western Balkans and prevent closer integration with NATO and the European Union. Special attention is given to the geopolitics of elections, where Russia manipulates electoral processes in countries like Montenegro and North Macedonia to favour pro-Russian or anti-Western political forces. By analyzing key case studies, this paper explores how Russian hybrid warfare exploits regional vulnerabilities—such as ethnic divisions and weak political institutions—while employing tactics of soft power and military cooperation. The findings indicate that Russia’s hybrid warfare, including electoral manipulation, poses a significant threat to regional stability and international security, underscoring the need for strengthened Western engagement to counter Russian influence. This study offers critical insights into the evolving nature of hybrid warfare and its implications for the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Europe.

Coordinated Multi-Agencies Patrols and Border Security along the Kenya-Somalia Border in Wajir County

Securing their boarders has become a concern for all countries globally. This is because unsecure boarders pose a serious threat both to national and international security of states. For instance, the porous Kenya-Somali boarder continues to pose a serious threat to the security and development of Kenya as a country. This study therefore sought to examine how coordinated multi-agencies patrols affects border security along the Kenya-Somalia border. It adopted a descriptive survey research design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Stratified and simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data for the study. The tools utilized to get data were, questionnaires and interview schedule. Both qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated to provide robust illustrations of the key findings. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as percentages, pie charts, and bar graphs. Qualitative data on the other hand was analyzed thematically and presented as quoted verbatim. The study found that joint coordinated patrols, joint intelligence gathering, sharing and analysis and sharing of resources among the various multi-agency teams played a crucial role in border security management. The study concluded that, the Kenya Police Service, the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), and local administrative bodies have made significant stride in enhancing boarder security along Kenya-Somali boarder in Wajir County. The study recommended that, as far as the issue of joint multi-agency patrols are concerned, there is need to increase human resource and provide the necessary gears for effective multi-agency patrols. For further research, the study had restricted itself to the multi-agency’s cooperation and border security along the Kenya-Somalia border in Wajir County. However, a number of similarities in the multi-agencies’ cooperation was noticed, mostly through literatures. It would be prudent, to stretch out this research to other regions, to determine the applicability of these findings for the whole of the country Kenya.

Environmental challenges and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU: prospects for sustainable development

The article is dedicated to analyzing the cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, which began with the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1994 and reached a new level after the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014. The focus is on the impact of this agreement on Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policies, particularly in the context of sustainable development and ensuring environmental security. The article examines the role of international agreements in regulating Ukraine’s environmental policy, particularly the principles of preventive measures and the use of natural resources within the framework of sustainable development. Despite the formal incorporation of relevant provisions in international treaties, the real situation regarding environmental security remains challenging due to the conflict between the economic interests of developed countries and transnational corporations and the demands of environmental protection. The article separately addresses the influence of international law on the development of Ukraine’s energy policy and its integration into the pan-European energy space. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and the role of the European Union in financing and supporting such projects are analyzed. It is noted that sustainable development and environmental protection should become priorities within the framework of Ukraine’s energy security policy. The article also outlines the main challenges Ukraine faces in the context of international environmental security, particularly the insufficient effectiveness of international organizations in recognizing and counteracting environmental crimes. Despite this, the importance of cooperation with the EU to achieve a stable deceleration of environmental degradation is emphasized.

Formation of the international legal framework in ensuring economic security: the contribution of international organisations

Introduction: The article offers a concise overview of international organisations as collaborative partnerships among states with defined objectives while also analysing the underlying motivations for their establishment.Objective: This article explores the roles and distinctive characteristics of major global institutions, including the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Council of Europe (CoE), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and World Trade Organization (WTO).Methods: The study employs diverse investigative methodologies, including thorough literature reviews and statistical analyses, to examine core concepts such as "legal order", "international legal order", "international security", and "global security".Results: It takes a historical perspective to trace the evolution of international organisations and utilises generalisation and diagnostic techniques to offer practical recommendations and reach conclusions. The article differentiates between "international security?" and "global security", underscoring the latter’s broader scope. Furthermore, it underscores the pivotal role of the United Nations (UN) in safeguarding global peace, fostering amicable ties among nations, advancing international collaboration, and acting as a forum for coordinating various national endeavours.Conclusions: International organisations, spearheaded by the United Nations (UN), are pivotal in upholding the international legal framework and safeguarding global security in the face of ever-evolving challenges and threats

Will the development of smart agriculture improve food safety in international markets? A theoretical approach

Today, there is a significant “digital divide” in the agricultural sector between developing and developed countries. Such a digital disparity has negative consequences on the international competitiveness of these countries and their ability to comply with Food Satefy Standards. We propose a theoretical model to analyze the role of smart agriculture in the ability of countries to comply with international food safety regulations, specifically the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as aflatoxins, pesticides,and heavy metals. Firstly, we show that reducing the digital divide will always improve international food safety and food security (availability of a global supply). However, it can lead to more intense international competition, potentially causing a perverse effect: underinvestment in good agricultural practices by more digitally advanced countries. Furthermore, the digital catch-up of less advanced countries cannot sufficiently reduce health risks in international markets unless accompanied by strengthening official food control systems. Finally, we show that such digital catch-up encourages lowering MRLs rather than relaxing them, contrary to what producers or authorities might hope.

Combined transcriptome and physiological analysis reveals exogenous sucrose enhances photosynthesis and source capacity in foxtail millet

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is an environmentally friendly crop that meets the current requirements of international food security and is widely accepted as a photosynthesis research model. However, whether exogenous sucrose treatment has a positive effect on foxtail millet growth remains unknown. Here, we employed physiological and molecular approaches to identify photosynthesis and source capacity associated with exogenous sucrose during the growth of Jingu 21 seedlings. RNA-seq analysis showed that some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to photosynthesis and carotenoid biosynthesis were induced by exogenous sucrose and that most of these genes were up-regulated. An increase in gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence of Jingu 21 was noted after exogenous sucrose addition. Furthermore, exogenous sucrose up-regulated genes encoding sucrose and hexose transporters and enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism. More DEGs were up-regulated by sucrose, the nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content in the leaves increased and energy metabolism and sucrose loading subsequently improved, ultimately enhancing photosynthesis under normal and dark conditions. Further analysis revealed that WRKYs, ERFs, HY5, RAP2, and ABI5 could be key transcription factors involved in growth regulation. These results indicate that exogenous sucrose affects the normal photosynthetic performance of foxtail millet by increasing NSC transport and loading. They improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the effects of exogenous sucrose on photosynthesis in foxtail millet, providing an effective measure to enhance source–sink relationships and improve yield.

Роль и значение правоограничений на гражданской службе в условиях недружественной политики иностранных государств

The study of restrictions and prohibitions in the civil service in ensuring internal and external security, protecting the interests and sovereignty of the Russian Federation in the context of the unfriendly policies of foreign states is of particular relevance. The authors substantiate the expediency of establishing special legal restrictions in the civil service, the strict implementation (compliance) of which by civil servants can serve as a guarantee of ensuring the protection of the interests and state sovereignty of the Russian Federation, especially in the current conditions of the unfriendly policies of some foreign states.

The Nexus between Electoral Management System and Post-Election Violence in Kenya Since 1963

The study investigates the relationship between Kenya's electoral management system and post-election violence, which has persisted despite numerous reforms since the country's independence in 1963. The primary aim was to identify structural issues within the electoral administration that contribute to violence following elections. The research analyzed key components of the electoral management system and the causes of post-election violence. Utilizing consociationalism theory, voting theory, and rational choice theory, the study employed a historical design with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research was conducted from July to December 2022. The target population included eligible voters (260), politicians (50), IEBC officials (40), political analysts (60), humanitarian-aid organizations representatives (10), local election observers (5), international election observers (5), security personnel (10), and county administrative staff (10). A stratified random sampling method was employed to collect data using both questionnaires and interviews. The targeted population established the strata of 641,396, and a random sample was taken from each stratum, arriving at a sample size of 450 respondents. The findings revealed that Kenya's electoral system is primarily based on the First Past the Post (FPTP) model, which is a plurality/majority system. The study identified several key factors contributing to post-election violence, including the "winner-takes-all" nature of elections, disputes over election results due to perceived bias in the electoral management body, and voter incitement by politicians. A statistically significant correlation was established between the electoral management system and post-election violence (β=.685, t = 16.225, Sig. =.000). The findings indicated that the self-interest and impunity of political leaders, along with ethnic divisions and mistrust, hinder the IEBC's ability to conduct fair and credible elections. A significant association was also found between the causes and consequences of post-election violence (β=.757, t = 19.088, Sig. =.000). The study recommends exploring alternative electoral systems, such as proportional representation and mixed-member models, to promote inclusivity and fair representation. By establishing a connection between the electoral management system and post-election violence, this research contributes to peace and conflict studies, addressing a relatively understudied area in Kenya and the broader region.

Measuring very low radiation doses in PTFE for nuclear forensic enrichment reconstruction

Every country that has made nuclear weapons has used uranium enrichment to do so. Despite the centrality of this technology to international security, there is still no reliable physical marker of past enrichment in the open literature that can be used to perform forensic verification of historically produced weapons on gas centrifuges. We show that the extremely low radioactivity from uranium alpha emissions during enrichment leaves detectable and irreversible calorimetric signatures in the common enrichment gasket material PTFE, allowing for historical reconstruction of past enrichment activities at a sensitivity better than one weapon's quantity of highly enriched uranium. Fast scanning calorimetry also enables the measurement of recrystallization enthalpies of sequentially microtomed slices, confirming the magnitude and the type of radiation exposure while also providing detection of tampering and a method for analyzing field samples useful for treaty verification. This work opens the door for common items to be turned into precise dosimeters to detect the past presence of radioactivity, nuclear materials, and related activities with high confidence.

Sino-Belgian research collaborations and Chinese military power

ABSTRACT China’s rise as a scientific superpower and its increasingly assertive geopolitical stance have raised concerns among Western governments over the security implications of research collaborations with China. Indeed, studies have revealed how China uses technology transfers to advance its military capabilities. In this article, we examine the links of Sino-Belgian research collaborations to the Chinese military and the evolution of these collaborations using a mixed methods approach comprising a bibliometric analysis and two case studies. Our study finds that 10% of Sino-Belgian collaborations were on critical technologies and conducted with scientists affiliated to Chinese institutes with military links. The collaborations with a military link have increased rapidly over the last two decades and have grown faster than the overall Sino-Belgian research collaborations. The results of the study reveal that research collaboration in the knowledge domain has crucial ties to the security domain and should therefore be considered in international security analysis. However, invoking Susan Strange’s structural power theory, we argue that Sino-Belgian research collaborations should not only be seen as contributing to China’s military power but also as a function of China’s growing overall power, including in the knowledge structure, where it entails the power to convey or deny knowledge.

A Disappearance of National Security Information: A Case Study of Article 329 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in Particular

The study of the consequences of the disappearance of national security information is vital for national security and international relations. It helps to understand the threats better and develop effective strategies to prevent and minimize the impact of incidents. This article aims to examine the cases of the disappearance of national security information and its consequences for national and international security. The methodological basis for this article includes a dialectical method of scientific knowledge, content analysis, modeling, and the logical and normative approach. The article emphasizes the importance of proper criminal law qualification for such actions. The study also determines the legal status of such actions in criminal law and the impact of statutory provisions on the prevention of and response to such incidents on an international scale.

Transformation of international security mechanisms in the context of the russian-ukrainian war

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformations in international security mechanisms in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, ongoing since 2014, with a particular focus on the activities of NATO and the United Nations. The author aims to examine the crisis in the effectiveness of traditional security structures, assess their ability to adapt to new geopolitical realities, and identify the need for the creation of new forms of international security. The research methodology is based on the analysis and synthesis of scientific sources, including works dedicated to the activities of international security organizations, as well as the application of a systematic approach to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security mechanisms. The article examines NATO and the UN's decision-making mechanisms and responses to the Russia-Ukraine war, analyzing their capacity to adequately address the new challenges arising from the armed conflict. The author employs comparative analysis methods to study the changes in the activities of these organizations and analyzes expert assessments to identify key changes in their operations. The study concludes that the Russia-Ukraine war has acted as a catalyst for changes in international security mechanisms, revealing the weaknesses and shortcomings of traditional approaches to global stability. This underscores the need to revise existing strategies, seek innovative approaches to ensuring international security, and potentially create new organizations or coalitions capable of responding more effectively to similar conflicts in the future. The findings of this research may be useful for policymakers, international security experts, and all those interested in the transformation of the global security system.

The 4th IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems and International Defence Excellence and Security Symposium—Highlights From the 2024 Events [Conference Report

The 4th IEEE International Conference on Human-Machine Systems and International Defence Excellence and Security Symposium—Highlights From the 2024 Events [Conference Report

Wie kann die Sicherheitslage in Deutschland verbessert werden?

Abstract Since the “Zeitenwende” proclaimed in Spring 2022, there has been an increased focus on both internal and external security issues, such as the procurement of military goods and defense capabilities. The geopolitical dynamics towards more multipolarity are forcing Europe, and therefore Germany as well, to take greater control of its own destiny. Emancipation from former hegemons offers opportunities; at the same time, successful economic policy navigation requires the efficient use of scarce public funds. Fiscal policy and social debates are controversial. Just think of the budget proposals currently being discussed and the reintroduction of compulsory military service. This discussion explores the extent, direction and sustainable financing options for the necessary changes. What all contributions have in common is the recognition of the necessity and potential of effective coordination at the European level on the issue of military sovereignty.