National Security Research Articles

Market restructuring of agribusiness in Russia as a trigger for rapid economic growth

Abstract In the period of political tension and instability of the international economic system, the agricultural sector of Russia continues to demonstrate progressive growth and is characterized by a favorable investment climate. In many respects, this circumstance in modern conditions is facilitated by scientific research and development of an innovative and technological nature, stimulating the accelerated development of domestic agriculture, due to which there is a favorable impact on the growth of the competitive component of the industry. Modern Russian agribusiness is one of the most intensive and highly promising points for the integration of digital innovations. For the steady growth of this sphere, it is essential to provide it with high-quality material, technical, infrastructural and innovative resources for its functioning. The studied sphere of economic activity of the country conservatively includes the primary function of ensuring national food security and independence, as a result of which the state actively attaches great importance due to the influence of a set of certain factors that make agriculture unstable and extremely vulnerable. The main goal of the digital modernization of agribusiness in Russia is to provide agricultural producers with state-of-the-art technologies, as well as to digitalize management, marketing and sales activities. The digital transformation of the agricultural sector should be carried out on a comprehensive, targeted and systematic basis based on target indicators and indicators, as well as be directed to core and secondary areas of the sphere. The integration of digital innovations into agribusiness in Russia will contribute to the active and breakthrough development of not only the agro-industrial complex, but also related industries.

Theoretical Investigation of Energetic Materials Based on Imidazole Framework Featuring Azido/Nitro/Nitrato/Fluoro Groups

ABSTRACTDevelopment of new high‐energy materials (HEMs) is one of the thrust areas of research. These compounds are important for various applications such as propellants, gas generations, explosives in mining, construction, civil and military applications, and safety equipment for national security and defense. HEMs based on imidazole frameworks are currently getting research spotlight due to their exceptional detonation performance with optimum sensitivity. This study reports five imidazole derivatives containing azido/nitro/nitrato/fluoro functional groups. These groups are viable options to design promising explosives with moderate sensitivity. Density functional theory (DFT) method is adopted to determine the geometries, thermodynamic properties, detonation properties, and impact sensitivity of the designed molecules. All the compounds have high density in the range of 1.89–2.03 g/cm3 along with high heat of formation. These compounds aid in new strategy to design HEMs with optimum sensitivity.

Estado de excepción neoliberal y resistencia en el sureste de México

In November 2021, the President of Mexico (2018-2024) declared that the priority megaprojects of the National Development Plan (Maya Train, Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor, Dos Bocas Refinery) fall within the realm of national security. Public and private investments in these projects are directed towards southeastern Mexico, covering the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Yucatán, and Tabasco. These regions are home to indigenous peoples and communities that hold 45% of Mexico’s total social property. In some cases, these communities are visibly linked to national political organizations that defend land and territory. The decree is considered a state of exception applied to land-territory use, with dual implications. On one hand, it represents the undivided social field monopolized by monetary metrics. On the other hand, it signifies the expansion of a neocolonial condition promoted by the Mexican federal government, which marginalizes the voice of resistance in favor of adopting the capital logic defined by the stratification of the global economy. The methodology involves participatory action research since 2019, collaborative research through the coordination of workshops, caravans, marches, and political-community meetings, promoted in conjunction with assemblies fighting for territorial defense. We anticipate the increased use of such state of exception in response to the intertwined rise of health, environmental, and economic contingencies that drive the economic cycle, coupled with ineffective governmental policies formulated for regular times. In other words, the state of exception is activated to ensure the continuity of capital accumulation driven by the concentration of private property.

Group-based reputational incentives can blunt sensitivity to societal harms and benefits.

People's concern with maintaining their individual reputation powerfully drives judgment and decision making. But humans also identify strongly with groups. Concerns about group-based reputation may similarly shape people's psychology, perhaps especially in contexts where shifts in group reputation can have strategic consequences. Do individuals allow their concern with their group's reputation to shape their reactions to even large-scale societal suffering versus benefits? Examining both affective responses and financially incentivized behavior of partisans in the United States, five preregistered experiments (N = 7,534) demonstrate that group-based reputational incentives can weaken-and sometimes nearly eliminate-affective differentiation between present-term societal harms and benefits. This can occur even when these societal harms and benefits are substantial-including economic devastation and national security threats-and when the consequences impact ingroup members. Individuals' sensitivity to group-based reputation can even cause them to divert resources from more effective to less effective charities. We provide evidence that partisans care about group-based reputation in part because it holds strategic value, positioning their group to improve its standing vis-a-vis the outgroup. By allowing group-based reputational incentives to reduce their sensitivity to societal outcomes, partisans may play into the other side's cynical narratives about their disregard for human suffering, damaging bridges to cooperation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The United States and the revolution of 25 April 1974

25 April 1974 is a symbolic date not only for Portugal but also for Europe and the world. How did Washington react to this event? The White House of Richard Nixon/Gerald Ford and Henry Kissinger as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor embodied a democratic government that did not hesitate to support antidemocratic governments to defend its interests or those of the Western side in the Cold War. The aim of this article is to analyse the attitude of the United States towards 25 April and its attitude towards a movement that Kissinger described on 29 April 1974 as ‘superbly organized and well directed’.

К вопросу об определении сущности понятия «кадровая безопасность» на региональном уровне

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the approaches identified by the authors to the definition of the concept of “regional personnel security”: as the state of human capital, as the state of the labor market, an element of the economic security system at various levels, as a process of preventing various negative impacts on economic security at the national, regional and corporate levels. The importance of human potential as an object of attention in ensuring personnel security at the regional level is noted. The role of investments in human potential from the point of view of various spheres of public life as a factor in the economic growth of territories is outlined. Based on an analysis of modern research in the area under study, two positions have been identified to determine the place of personnel security in economic and national security systems. The author’s concept of personnel security is proposed. The place of personnel security in the region’s economic security system has been determined.

AIEE-Active Green Fluorescence Imaging Technique for Latent Fingerprint Application.

Latent fingerprint imaging is a crucial tool for national security and crime recognition, requiring environmentally sustainable, nontoxic materials. To address this need, we have developed a green fluorescence-emitting material, THCHO, that binds effectively to latent fingerprints, enabling clear, high-resolution visualization. The solution produces strong green fluorescence that highlights fingerprint imprints with exceptional detail and contrast. The material is applicable across various substrates, making it efficient for on-site visualization. The synthesized organic conjugated material THCHO rapidly visualizes precise fingerprint substructures within 5 s using a simple spray method. It maintains high contrast and low interference across different substrates, such as glass, aluminum foil, plastic, and ironware, even in diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the THCHO material demonstrates high stability, retaining its fluorescence imaging capabilities for up to 35 days and after water washing. This is the first report of using a conjugated organic thiophene material for latent fingerprint fluorescence imaging, suggesting potential applications in other fields.

Evolution of Australia's Foreign Investment Review and Its Impact on Government Investors

Through a number of legislative reforms, most notably the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act of 1975 and its ensuing revisions, Australia's foreign investment policy has changed. The goal of the approach is to preserve national security while luring in international investment. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), which assesses foreign investments using a "national interest test," is a crucial component of this structure. With an emphasis on Chinese investments, this article investigates how these policies have affected state-owned businesses in particular. It examines potential changes to Australia's foreign investment laws in the future and draws attention to the difficulties presented by the FIRB review procedure.

The impact of the Prevent Agenda on social work: a systematic literature review

The Prevent Agenda, introduced in 2006, is a counter-terrorism strategy aiming to address radicalisation and extremist behaviour. This systematic literature review (SLR) focuses on its impact on child protection social work, examining how it influences roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes. Analysing articles, governmental reports and relevant literature, the review explores outcomes, such as improved inter-agency communication and heightened awareness of radicalisation risk factors. However, much more pronounced in the literature are very significant concerns that arise about potential biases in targeting, marginalising Muslim minorities and alienating families from support. This SLR offers insights into the multifaceted effects of Prevent on child protection social work, families and communities. Identifying trends and knowledge gaps contributes to understanding how counterterrorism intersects with child welfare. The review’s implications inform policy, professional training and future research for a balanced approach to national security and child and family well-being.

Social Movements and National Security in Nigeria: A Study of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

Nigeria has been engulfed in crises of national question regarding its corporate existence as a sovereign state entity by the emergence and agitators of groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The ability of the separatist movement to mobilise actions has increased the volatility of insecurity in Nigeria’s South East/South-South zones. The study aims to examine the nexus between IPOB threat and national security so as to identify the factors behind IPOB movement. Based on the descriptive study design, the study adopted the opportunity structure perspective as its theoretical framework. The literature is descriptive in nature and adopted secondary method of data collection. The data was collected from secondary sources such as internal publications, newspaper reports, journal articles, official reports documentations and documentaries, and textbooks and commentaries. The findings of the study revealed that although the IPOB movement is fueled by a feeling of victimisation and marginalisation among the Igbos, the movement constitutes a threat to national security. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to engage the genuine IPOB agitators in meaningful dialogue and also fish out the criminal elements whose activities threaten national security.

Terrorism in Pakistan Impact on National Security

Terrorism presents a substantial obstacle in the current global political landscape, leading to changes in approaches to national security. The 9/11 attacks had a significant and far-reaching effect, on South Asia, notably in Pakistan, prompting leaders such as President George W. Bush to intensify worldwide counter-terrorism efforts. This research examines the relationship between terrorism and national security, focusing on Pakistan's experience with cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The study argues that terrorism surpasses conventional conflict standards and poses existential risks to national security. The study also highlights the impact of terrorist spillover from Afghanistan on Pakistan's territorial integrity, political sovereignty, and core institutions. The study also highlights the degradation of civil freedoms, economic pressures, and social divides due to terrorism. The research advocates for strong counter-terrorism strategies and global collaboration to strengthen national security and maintain global peace. The research advocates for a comprehensive strategy to address terrorism, emphasizing self-sufficiency and global cooperation, aiming to successfully battle terrorism while preserving national autonomy and democratic government in international affairs.

Reconsideration of educational directions for ensuring the national security of Ukraine

The article emphasises that at the level of the basic National Security Strategy of Ukraine, one of the key directions of ensuring the national security of Ukraine is the development of human capital, including through the prism of modernisation of education. At the same time, the very essence of human capital is not fully disclosed at the level of other programme documents and legislative acts of Ukraine, which causes difficulties in the practical implementation of this direction and the identification of the central executive body responsible for such activities. In view of this, the category of human potential should not be declarative, but actually embodied in the national legislation, with priorities for its development and criteria for its assessment, including in the educational sphere. According to the article, a person in the modern world is faced with a large amount of diverse information, which in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war is often distorted by enemy propaganda, information operations and cyber attacks. In such circumstances, the importance of the so-called information hygiene increases, which is formed mainly through educational tools, such as trainings, educational courses, programmes, etc. In the course of implementing the educational direction of ensuring national security, the unacceptability of the narratives proposed by enemy propaganda can be guaranteed in the minds of the population by developing human cognitive abilities, as well as forming a comprehensive understanding of historical, state-building processes, political and socio-economic features, the distortion of which is the basis of enemy information and psychological operations. In addition, the emphasis is placed on the fact that the educational component of ensuring the national security of Ukraine is also to promote maximum individualisation of the education process, formation of an individual educational trajectory of an applicant for education, including through artificial intelligence technologies.

Syria in Turkey-US Relations: Security, Terror and Strategic Dilemmas

Turkey-US relations have historically been influenced by periodic developments, sometimes becoming strong or fragile. In this context, the relations between Turkey and the US have been deeply affected by the presence of the PKK/PYD/YPG in northern Syria and the US support for these groups. Turkey considers the PYD/YPG as an extension of the PKK and perceives it as a direct threat to its national security. On the other hand, the US supports this group by renaming it the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and describing it as the most effective ground force against DAESH. This situation has damaged the relationship between the two NATO allies, leading to diplomatic crises and regional strategic misalignments. Turkey’s cross-border operations and the US support for the PYD/YPG are the most significant points of tension overshadowing the common interests of the two countries. Despite these challenges, Turkey and the US have the potential to protect their common interests in counter-terrorism and regional security matters. This study analyzes how Turkey’s policies in Syria have been shaped by the US support for the PYD/YPG and how the tensions in this context have affected the strategic goals of both countries. Turkey’s national security strategies and its cooperation dynamics with the US can be reshaped through diplomatic negotiations and strategic cooperation mechanisms. In this framework, the advancement of relations on a more constructive basis will be possible if both sides act with mutual understanding and flexibility.

Legal Regulation of the Use of Physical Force by Police Officers Under Martial Law

The legal regulation of the use of physical force by police officers is a critical issue in the system of public safety, particularly under martial law. In modern times, as countries face growing national security threats, the problem of ensuring that police use force both legally and appropriately becomes increasingly important. Martial law, which involves extraordinary measures by the state to protect its sovereignty and citizens, often grants law enforcement agencies expanded powers. These powers are intended to facilitate a quicker response to threats that may endanger both public order and national security. However, such expanded powers raise legal and ethical concerns regarding the boundaries of acceptable force. In the context of martial law, there is an urgent need to formalize the legal frameworks that govern the use of physical force by police officers. This includes not only national legislation but also international agreements that set standards for law enforcement conduct during crises. The complexity of maintaining public safety during military operations requires specific guidelines to ensure that law enforcement agencies act within the bounds of the law, while still effectively protecting citizens. This article focuses on analyzing how martial law affects the legal regulation of the use of force by police officers, using Ukraine as a case study. It highlights the key legislative challenges that have emerged in Ukraine since the introduction of martial law, such as ambiguities in the scope of police authority and gaps in existing regulations. Additionally, it offers recommendations for addressing these issues, emphasizing the need for clear and precise legal standards that balance public safety and the protection of human rights, even in times of crisis.

Modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of the ongoing military conflict with Russia

Considering the ongoing military conflict with the Russian Federation, the modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is of utmost significance. Effective training of new officers is becoming a strategic task to strengthen the country’s defence capability and ensure its national security. The purpose of this research is to thoroughly analyse and justify ways to modernise the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of the current military conflict, with a focus on improving the education and training of the new generation of officers. The research is based on a statistical analysis of data obtained through expert analysis and a survey of highly qualified professionals. The analysis demonstrated that the existing personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine requires significant modifications to respond to the current challenges of military operations. In particular, there is a need to introduce advanced teaching methods and use modern technologies in the training of officers. In addition, it is essential to improve the organisational structures that provide training for officers. It includes revision of programmes, adaptation to modern conflicts and implementation of international standards of military training. In addition, the psychological and social aspects of the design and development of the officer corps should be considered to ensure its stability and productivity in the long term. A special emphasis is placed on the need to introduce international experience and cooperation with partner countries, which may include the exchange of experience, and joint exercises and training programmes. The results obtained are essential for the development and implementation of strategic plans for the modernisation of the personnel management system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which will help to increase the effectiveness of military activities and strengthen the country’s defence capabilities in the face of ever-growing security threats.

Enhanced Antifungal Efficacy of Validamycin A Co-Administered with Bacillus velezensis TCS001 against Camellia anthracnose

Anthracnose, a fungal disease harming fruit trees and crops, poses a threat to agriculture. Traditional chemical pesticides face issues like environmental pollution and resistance. A strategy combining low-toxicity chemicals with biopesticides is proposed to enhance disease control while reducing chemical use. Our study found that mixing validamycin A (VMA) and Bacillus velezensis TCS001 effectively controlled anthracnose in Camellia oleifera. The combination increased antifungal efficacy by 65.62% over VMA alone and 18.83% over TCS001 alone. It caused pathogen deformities and loss of pathogenicity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the mix affected the pathogen’s metabolism and redox processes, particularly impacting cellular membrane functions and inducing apoptosis via glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. In vivo tests showed the treatment activated C. oleifera’s disease resistance, with a 161.72% increase in polyphenol oxidase concentration in treated plants. This research offers insights into VMA and TCS001’s mechanisms against anthracnose, supporting sustainable forestry and national edible oil security.

Impact of Fortified Yogurt on Micronutrient Deficits: A Survey on Food Security and Health in the Northeast of Iran

Background: Millions of people’s access to food is threatened by the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in food, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-economic impact of fortified food products on improving the food security of consumers in these regions. Methods: This study examined the use of popular products, such as yogurt fortified with inactive baker’s yeast, from April 2023 to December 2023. A questionnaire was developed using a descriptive–inferential approach grounded in practical research. Results: The factors of expertise, level of education, and gender significantly influenced the enhancement of food security. Approximately 88% of the variations in food security enhancement factors were attributed to acceptance and consumption, food safety and health, and financial capability and pricing. Among these factors, the acceptance index made the greatest contribution to improving food security. Conclusions: Specialized communication and information operations are urgently needed in this area, considering the limited knowledge consumers have about the health effects of newly introduced fortified foods. Therefore, by addressing current shortcomings, this study can help planners, policymakers, and producers of fortified food items increase the demand for fortified goods and improve national food security.

Experimental Study on the Thermal Behavior Characteristics of the Oxidative Spontaneous Combustion Process of Fischer–Tropsch Wax Residue

Coal-to-liquid technology is a key technology to ensuring national energy security, with the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis process at its core. However, in actual production, Fischer–Tropsch wax residue exhibits the characteristics of spontaneous combustion due to heat accumulation, posing a fire hazard when exposed to air for extended periods. This significantly threatens the safe production operations of coal-to-liquid chemical enterprises. This study primarily focuses on the experimental investigation of the oxidative spontaneous combustion process of three typical types of wax residues produced during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the thermal flow curves of the three wax residue samples. Kinetic analysis was performed using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods to calculate their apparent activation energy. This study analyzed the thermal behavior characteristics, exothermic properties, and kinetic parameters of three typical wax residue samples, exploring the ease of reaction between wax residues and oxygen and their tendency for spontaneous combustion. The results indicate that Wax Residue 1 is rich in low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, Wax Residue 2 contains relatively fewer low-carbon chain alkanes and olefins, while Wax Residue 3 primarily consists of high-carbon chain alkanes and olefins. This leads to different thermal behavior characteristics among the three typical wax residue samples, with Wax Residue 1 having the lowest heat release and average apparent activation energy and Wax Residue 3 having the highest heat release and average apparent activation energy. These findings suggest that Wax Residue 1 has a higher tendency for spontaneous combustion. This research provides a scientific basis for the safety management of the coal chemical industry, and further exploration into the storage and handling methods of wax residues could reduce fire risks in the future.

Legal Politics and Data Protection in Indonesia: A Case Study of the National Data Center Hacking

Introduction: This article analyzes the politics of law and data protection in Indonesia through a case study of the hacking of the National Data Center. The incident highlights significant vulnerabilities within the national data protection framework and the legal implications arising from such breaches, emphasizing the urgent need for robust legal measures to safeguard sensitive information.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly evaluate legal policies related to data protection in Indonesia, examining the challenges and opportunities for improvement. By focusing on the hacking incident of the National Data Center, the study aims to provide insights into potential policy enhancements to better protect data in an increasingly digital world.Methods of the Research: This research employs normative research methods with a comprehensive case study approach. Data is obtained through detailed analysis of legal documents, pertinent regulations, and relevant literature. This methodology aims to offer an in-depth understanding of the current state of data protection policies in Indonesia and identify areas requiring legislative and regulatory improvements.Results of the Research: The findings reveal that current data protection policies in Indonesia are insufficient to counter advanced hacking threats. This study offers recommendations for strengthening regulatory frameworks and implementing tighter supervision to enhance national data security. It introduces a new perspective on the dynamics of data protection law politics in Indonesia, contributing to the broader discourse on data security.

Gaskeuniversiteete (Mid Sweden University) to Host 2024 Polar Law Symposium

In September 2024, Gaskeuniversiteete (Mid Sweden University) will host the Polar Law Symposium. It will be the first time a Swedish university hosts the symposium. This symposium, which began in 2008 during the fourth International Polar Year, serves as a venue for scholars and practitioners to address emerging issues in international law and policy pertaining to the polar regions. This year’s event is scheduled for September 23–25 in Staare (Östersund), Sweden, located in the southern part of Saepmie. The symposium will focus on two primary themes: Implementation of International Minority and Indigenous Law at National Levels, and Governance, Resources, Security, and Jurisdictional Issues in the Circumpolar Area. Mid Sweden University’s role as the host underscores its high-quality multidisciplinary research profile, and growing commitment to Saami studies and research, furthering its mission to enhance collaboration with the Saami community.