Security Sector Research Articles

European Union Priority Agenda Post-Covid 19 Pandemics In Security And Defense Sectors

This research aims to explore and analyze the fundamental factors of the European Union's (EU) post Covid-19 priority agenda in the defense and security sector. The pandemic has shown that strengthening the defense and security sector to protect the country and its citizens from new threats is important and urgent for the European Union. The EU's post-pandemic priority agenda in the defense and security sector plays a crucial role in enhancing the defense and security capabilities of the European Union. This research focuses on five priority agendas, including: increasing military capacity, strengthening the European defense industry, enhancing cooperation among EU member states, improving cooperation with partner countries, and enhancing cybersecurity. This research seeks to answer the question of why it is important for the European Union to establish adjustment measures in the defense and security sector as a post-Covid-19 priority agenda and which programs are included in these five priority agendas. This research is a qualitative study that utilizes the European Security within the Constructivism paradigm proposed by Barry Buzan, Ole Waever , and Jaap de Wilde. This theory explains the dynamics of security in Europe and considers security a product of a complex social process that depends on the identities and norms present in the international community. In this theory, European identity is important in shaping European security. European identity is formed through historical and political processes that involve interactions and conflicts among European countries. Initial findings suggest that the EU's post- Covid-19 priority agenda in the defense and security sector is an effort to protect member states from external threats, but also to strengthen European identity in maintaining security.

Prospects for Modernization of Instructions on Physical Training of Servicemen of Institutions of the Security and Defense Sector of Ukraine

Prospects for Modernization of Instructions on Physical Training of Servicemen of Institutions of the Security and Defense Sector of Ukraine

Modern approaches to the improvement of special physical training of the sector of security and defense

Modern approaches to the improvement of special physical training of the sector of security and defense

Administrative and legal regulations and standards for the use of individual armor protection

The article examines the issues of administrative and legal norms and standards for the use of personal body armor. The study explores the history of the development and evolution of ballistic protection equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets. Body armor protects a person’s torso, shoulders, neck and groin from bullets and shrapnel. The helmet protects the head from falls, blows, blast waves, small shrapnel, pistol bullets, and small arms bullets. In addition, personal protective equipment includes bulletproof shields, impact shields, arm and leg protection kits, ballistic (tactical) glasses with ballistic safety standards. It has been established that today there are many types of vests with different characteristics that affect their usage, such as size, type, purpose, and material. The main indicator is the protection class, which determines the threats the vest can protect against. The class is defined by protective properties against various small arms ammunition. National and international standards for personal protective equipment are analyzed. Ukrainian national standards for personal body armor are comparable to international standards (modified according to the standards of the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom). According to the current Ukrainian standard DSTU 8782:2018, body armor is classified into three types by structural design: Type A – soft (flexible); Type B – semi-rigid; and Type C – rigid body armor with protective structures based on various protective elements, and there are six protection classes. The study examines the administrative and legal norms for the use of personal body armor by the National Police of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, and the Military Law Enforcement Service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It concludes that administrative and legal norms for the use of such equipment are established by regulatory documents of the agencies vested with the relevant powers, which primarily belong to Ukraine’s security and defense sector.

Strategic options for the European defence industry in the 2020s

ABSTRACT In times of the “Zeitenwende” European defence industrial companies face several challenges simultaneously: high fragmentation of the industrial ecosystem and product portfolio, a historic focus on small-volume production of complex weapons systems, the need to expand capacity fast, diverging European national security strategies, Europeanisation of the security sector, and a dominant US defence industry, among others. This article analyses the most likely strategies for the European defence industrial companies as a response to this situation. The analysis is based on 18 semi-structured expert interviews with representatives of the European defence industry, academia, and politicians to identify and assess the strategic options. Porter’s Diamond framework is used to assess the impact of governmental influence, availability of production factors, historic chance, and structure of the value chain on the selection of strategies. The analysis focuses on pan-European industry consolidation, exports, self-funded R&D, internationalisation, co-operation with SMEs, and future large-scale defence co-operation programmes.

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN NIGERIA: TRENDS, ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT

Objective: Human rights abuses persist in Nigeria, undermining democratic governance since 1999. This study investigates pervasive violations, focusing on major trends and national issues facilitating these abuses. Nigeria's complex socio-political landscape, marked by ethnic diversity and economic disparities, exacerbates human rights violations. These include extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and insurgency-related heinous acts perpetrated by Boko Haram and ISWAP. Theoretical Framework: The judiciary's inefficiency and corruption hinder justice for victims, while the government suppresses free speech and assembly, contrary to Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the main theoretical framework providing for the understanding of this investigation. Method: This study has a method of qualitative research which examines the interplay between Nigeria's socio-political landscape and economic disparities, perpetuating human rights violations. Findings reveal widespread abuses, particularly in the Northeast, highlighting the need for judicial reform, security sector reform, and increased accountability. Research and Discussion: The study provides the result of comprehensive analysis and lasting solutions to address human rights abuses in Nigeria. Recommendations promote dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to strengthen human rights protection and enforcement. By addressing systemic challenges, Nigeria can move towards a more just and equitable society. Research Implication: The research implication of this research contributes valuable insights for policymakers, human rights organizations, and scholars. Originality and Value: Its findings and recommendations offer a pathway towards improved human rights protection in Nigeria, ensuring the well-being and dignity of Nigerian citizens.

The management methods in the sphere of state security in conditions of social transformation

The article is dedicated to the investigation of management methods in the field of state security during periods of social transformation. It addresses the importance of adapting governance strategies to contemporary challenges, especially in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing crisis and global instability. Emphasis is placed on the development of comprehensive management approaches that not only react to current threats but also anticipate future challenges. The relevance of the study is underlined by the need for strategic planning and proactive implementation of policies to safeguard national interests and ensure long-term stability. The article emphasizes the necessity of effective cooperation between public administration entities to guarantee the resilience of the national security system. The author notes that the success of state security management heavily depends on the integration of political, legal, and organizational mechanisms. The focus is on how these mechanisms contribute to the implementation of Ukraine’s National Security Strategy, aiming to protect the country’s territorial integrity and facilitate its European integration efforts. Special attention is given to the reform of public administration, stressing the importance of transparency and professionalism in law enforcement and strategic management. The author indicates that effective governance in the security sector requires enhanced coordination among various governmental bodies. The importance of information exchange, joint training, and the development of new technological solutions is highlighted as key methods for addressing modern security threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and organized crime. The study also points out the need for continuous professional development and reform in public administration to ensure that national security objectives are met in a timely and effective manner. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between different state institutions and the importance of coordinated efforts to respond to security threats. The article underscores the need for a dynamic and adaptable governance system, one that can respond swiftly to both domestic and international challenges. This includes the development of innovative approaches to governance, strategic planning, and the use of cutting-edge technologies. Ultimately, the study calls for the continuous improvement of public administration in the security sector, to build a sustainable and secure future for Ukraine.

Трансформація стійкості держави в умовах глобалізації світу

Purpose: is to analyse the modern process of forming state stability in the conditions of the transformation of the international political security space. Method: The research was conducted using a neo-institutional approach, historical and systemic methods, a comparative approach, and a functional method. Findings: Determination of the conceptual foundations of the formation of state stability in the conditions of a crisis international security environment. Theoretical implications: It consists in forming a holistic view of modern theories of the institution of the state and the factors that ensure its stability against the background of the aggravation of contradictions in the international political and security environment caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Practical implications: The main political, economic and security factors were analysed, and a model was formed based on the neo-institutional approach to ensure the stability of the state institution in the conditions of worsening globalisation threats and the formation of a new architecture of the international security environment. This study can be a valuable resource for professional researchers, analysts in geopolitics and geostrategy, security and defence sector representatives, international organisations, and state and local authorities. Originality: It consists of applying a neo-institutional approach to ensuring the stability of the state institution in the context of the crisis of the international political and security environment triggered by Russiaʼs aggression against Ukraine.

ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ПРОЄКТАМИ ТА МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ: НОВІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ В НЕПРИБУТКОВИХ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯХ

The aim of the article is to identify new trends in project management within nonprofit organizations. The spheres of project management and emerging trends in this field within civil society organizations have been identified. It has been established that considering the current limitation of budgetary resources directed towards meeting the needs of the security and defense sector, social protection, support for the population, and gradual economic recovery, the budget structure of Ukrainian nonprofit organizations should witness an increase in support from international donors through the implementation of social projects by them. It has been proven that civil society organizations should integrate project management with organizational management at the organizational level. The purpose of project management is not only to fulfill projects within specified timelines, without exceeding the budget, and ensuring the expected level of quality but also to create value. Therefore, projects are consolidated into portfolios. In nonprofit organizations, the project context often requires establishing a connection between projects, mission, and implementing mechanisms for integrating projects towards the adopted goals and providing resources for their implementation. Analyzing project maturity in nonprofit organizations is accomplished through the creation of a maturity map, illustrating the maturity levels of individual processes and allowing the identification of gaps in the researched areas. The use of project maturity maps allows for the improvement of project management systems and, in the long term, contributes to increasing the efficiency of implemented projects and better utilization of available resources. It is argued that projects contribute to the sustainable development of organizations. Sustainable management entails planning, monitoring, and controlling the processes of project implementation and support, taking into account the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the project lifecycle, processes, results, and consequences aimed at achieving advantages, which are carried out transparently, honestly, and ethically, involving stakeholders. This involves adopting the concept of holistic project realization, considering, in addition to classical parameters (time, cost, scope), new ones: benefits, values, risks, long-term effects for stakeholders.

POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND INSTITUTION BUILDING IN CAMEROON

Cameroon has been embroiled in prolonged conflicts, including the Anglophone Crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency, both of which have deeply impacted the nation's socio-political fabric. The central problem is the breakdown of institutions, displacement of populations, and socio-economic instability, necessitating urgent post-conflict reconstruction. This study aims to explore the key challenges and barriers to reconstruction, assess the roles of national and international actors, and analyze strategies to build institutions for sustainable peace and stability. The research draws on hybrid peace and conflict transformation theories and adopts a qualitative research design, relying on secondary data sources. Through an in-depth analysis of official documents, scholarly articles, and reports from international organizations, this study provides a comparative examination of similar post-conflict settings, such as Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Data were systematically analyzed to identify key themes related to governance, security, and institutional reform. Findings reveal that political instability, lack of decentralization, and limited financial resources significantly hinder effective reconstruction efforts. Governance challenges, including corruption and centralization of power, impede institution-building, while socio- economic issues, such as ethnic and linguistic divisions, further complicate peacebuilding efforts. International actors and NGOs play a vital role but often lack coordination, limiting the effectiveness of their interventions. The study concludes that Cameroon’s post-conflict reconstruction requires comprehensive reforms. Decentralization, inclusive governance, and accountability must be prioritized. International efforts should align with local needs, emphasizing long-term development over short-term aid. Effective security sector reform, alongside strategies for institutional capacity-building, will be essential to fostering peace and preventing future conflict.

Role of Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Behavior Organizational Learning Culture in the Private Security Sector

Role of Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Behavior Organizational Learning Culture in the Private Security Sector

Beyond security failures: The complexities of addressing Boko haram in Nigeria

The fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria highlights the complexities of addressing a multifaceted insurgency that thrives on political, social, and economic dysfunction. This article examines the critical failures in Nigeria’s security and justice systems, which have allowed Boko Haram to flourish despite military interventions. It explores the limitations of a purely military response and underscores the importance of addressing the broader socio-political issues that contribute to terrorism. The article evaluates how government corruption, poor governance, and the lack of accountability within the security apparatus have weakened Nigeria's capacity to combat Boko Haram effectively. Moreover, it considers the role of international stakeholders, including the United States, in supporting Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts, while emphasizing that foreign assistance must align with domestic reforms to be effective. The application of complexity theory is proposed as a framework to understand the interconnected factors contributing to the persistence of Boko Haram. This approach underscores that addressing Boko Haram requires more than just military solutions; it demands addressing economic stagnation, political corruption, and social grievances that fuel the insurgency. The article concludes by recommending a holistic strategy that combines security sector reform, governance improvements, and international cooperation as the path forward for Nigeria.

Consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho Defence Force

This article examines the consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho Defence Force. Political interference has affected diverse African public institutions' smooth and professional operations. Using the qualitative research approach, the study examined the consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho Defence Force. Data was gathered from secondary sources. The collected secondary data was analysed using thematic analysis. The identified consequences encompass the politicisation of the military, the abuse of power, compromised autonomy, erosion of meritocracy, degradation of civilian-military relations, threats to national security, and diminishing citizens’ trust. In light of these critical findings, the study advocates for decisive actions to mitigate the adverse effects of political interference. Specifically, the article recommends the comprehensive implementation of military security sector reforms aimed at fostering a transparent, accountable, and civilian-responsive military that aligns with the public's needs and operates in a manner consistent with international standards.

REFORMS IN THE NATIONAL SECURITY SECTOR: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR UKRAINE IN THE TIME OF WAR

The article examines the problem of preserving the information sovereignty of the state as a necessary condition for ensuring its national security. The concept of the apparatus of the research area is considered, the scientific interpretation of the terms "information security", "information war", "destructive propaganda", "information struggle" and others is given. It is noted that the protection of the information field of the country from external harmful influence is a fundamental task of the state, which belongs to the sphere of its national interests. And reforms in the national security sector are vitally necessary in the conditions of war with the Russian Federation. They conducted a retrospective analysis of the use of various strategies for optimizing national security. It is noted that the protection of the country’s information field from external harmful influence is a fundamental task of the state, which belongs to the sphere of its national interests. In Ukraine, certain experience has been accumulated in ensuring information security, legislative, organizational and institutional foundations of this process have been created. However, the activities of authorized structures are more focused on the protection of information systems and networks of strategic importance, while the issue of countering Russia’s ideological expansion remains on the periphery of their attention. The country’s authorities do not always conduct comprehensive, coordinated work to combat fakes and destructive propaganda, which poses a real danger to national interests. The article analyzes specific cases of the promotion of Russian propaganda narratives in the Ukrainian media segment. The vulnerability of Ukraine’s information security system is reflected and practical recommendations for their elimination are provided, which include the creation of an early warning system of information attacks, cyber sabotage, manipulative actions from the outside with a built-in mechanism for prompt response and purchase of similar threats; improvement of the relevant legislative framework and adoption of a holistic concept of information security of Ukraine; strengthening the potential of domestic mass media to counteract destructive propaganda.

THE IMPERATIVE OF INSTITUTING A MILITARY OMBUDSMAN AND ITS POTENTIAL FRAMEWORKS

The Secretariat of the Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine includes the Department for Monitoring the Observance of Rights in the Defense Sector and the Rights of Veterans and Servicemen, Prisoners of War and Their Family Members. The Department’s main task is to ensure that the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Observance of the Constitutional Rights and Freedoms of Servicemen exercises his or her powers. During 2022, the Human Rights Commissioner recorded a more than twenty-fold increase in appeals by servicemen regarding the violation of their rights compared to the previous year. In addition, the range of issues on which servicemen and their family members are appealing has expanded. In 2020–2021, the majority of appeals and complaints were related to military service conditions, timely payments, including adequate financial support for the families of fallen servicemen, pension recalculations, and non-compliance by the Pension Fund of Ukraine and other state bodies with court decisions restoring the rights of military personnel, military pensioners and members of their families. During 2022–2023, appeals also included the search for missing persons and the return of captives. The latter account for 72 % of all appeals. At the same time, the percentage of responses to these appeals is extremely low. The published data indicate that the Department for Monitoring the Observance of Rights in the Defense Sector and the Rights of Veterans and Servicemen, Prisoners of War and Their Family Members might not fully cover social and legal protection of these groups. The low response rate compared to the volume of complaints about human rights violations in the security and defense sector may be due to the lack of funding and the lack of qualified specialists. Given the ongoing war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the number of appeals will increase, and the volume of unresolved issues will most likely accumulate. Therefore, taking current realities into account, the increase in the number of servicemen and other defense sector employees, it is advisable to follow best practices worldwide and separate the institute of the military ombudsman from the institute of the Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner. This can be done by introducing an appropriate legislative act and establishing an independent structure with expanded powers regarding veterans, prisoners of war and civilian hostages with its own financing and staff.

Improvement of methodical training of physical training instructors in the direction of application of physical impact measures

Physical training in units of the security and defense sector plays an important role in the system of professional training of personnel. The direction of application of measures of physical influence, in addition to technical preparation, development of physical qualities, has a positive effect on the education of moral and volitional qualities. And all this certainly affects the readiness of the personnel to perform the assigned tasks. In the conditions of martial law, the system of professional training also changed in order to transform and adapt it to the realities of today. The system of security measures implemented in the state has made its corrections in the educational and training process of personnel training, in particular with regard to planning in training. It is also necessary to take into account the level of physical condition, development and training of the replenishment. During martial law, military personnel are trained according to an abbreviated program. At the same time, from the experience of training our servicemen in various NATO member countries, the training periods there are much longer - which indicates different approaches and concepts. On the one hand, the shorter the training period, the faster a serviceman will get into a combat unit, and on the other hand, the quality of training of personnel is required, many of whom have not served at all, have mature age, low physical development and training, and often have health problems. Undoubtedly, all these conditions require high professional competence and skill from instructors in various areas, including physical training. The instructor must raise his professional level in order to ensure higher efficiency of the educational and training process, increase the training of the personnel and their readiness to perform official and combat tasks as assigned.

A helyi közbiztonság megteremtésének részesei, a vagyonvédelmi alapítványok

Aim: In the study, the author presents the cooperation of the body established to perform general police tasks and the complementary law enforcement agencies in Tiszakécske district, detailing the operation of the property protection foundation operating in the area, through a possible good example. Methodology: The review and analysis of the relevant international and domestic literature helped the author to process the topic. After the retrospective analysis, the information obtained through document analysis and interviews regarding the foundation will be presented. Findings: Apart from the police, the municipality and the private security sector are key players in effective crime prevention activities and the creation of local public safety. Actors who rely on each other and complement each other’s activities can achieve more success together than individually. Value: Within complementary policing, municipal policing is a neglected topic, but asset protection foundations also receive undeservedly little attention. A well-functioning asset protection foundation contributes greatly to local public safety.

Optimized Methods for Applying and Assessing Heat, Drought, and Nutrient Stress of Maize Seedlings in Controlled Environment Experiments.

Maize (Zea mays), also known as corn, is an important crop that plays a crucial role in global agriculture. The economic uses of maize are numerous, including for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. It has had a significant historical importance in research as well, with important discoveries made in maize regarding plant domestication, transposons, heterosis, genomics, and epigenetics. Unfortunately, environmental stresses cause substantial yield loss to maize crops each year. Yield losses are predicted to increase in future climate scenarios, posing a threat to food security and other sectors of the global economy. Developing efficient methods to study maize abiotic stress responses is a crucial step toward a more resilient and productive agricultural system. This review describes the importance of and methods for studying the effects of heat, drought, and nutrient deficiency on early developmental stages of maize grown in controlled environments. Studying the early effects of environmental stressors in controlled environments allows researchers to work with a variety of environmental conditions with low environmental variance, which can inform future field-based research. We highlight the current knowledge of physiological responses of maize to heat, drought, and nutrient stress; remaining knowledge gaps and challenges; and information on how standardized protocols can address these issues.

State special transport service in the system of subjects of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: directions of influence and the role of public administration for their implementation

It was emphasized that in the conditions of ongoing Russian aggression, the issue of effective and stable functioning of the system of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has become important. It is noted that such an intention is possible only thanks to the systematically effective work of all subjects of this system. The exceptional role of the State Special Service of Transport in this aspect is emphasized, given the subject orientation of the latter. We are talking about the transport component, which is one of the basic prerequisites for the successful implementation of the lion’s share of measures by subjects not only of the ministry system, but also of the entire security and defense sector. The position of the State Special Service of Transport as a subject of public-legal relations at the current stage of law-making is highlighted in general outlines. It was found that it is appropriate to talk about an institution endowed with the status of a specialized military formation, which carries out a number of defense measures peculiar only to it. Despite its regulatory specifics, it is advisable to talk about a number of similar parameters, compared to the rest of the institutions. The essence of the directions of the analyzed body’s work, including under the current situation, is outlined and disclosed. Arguably, it is emphasized that such directions are derived from the functions of the institution, which the latter’s officials implement in practice. The legislator’s position on their gradation into two fundamental groups was supported and developed: 1) peacetime; 2) a special period. Based on this, the author’s vision of the quantitative and specific composition of the areas of work of the State Special Service of Transport is proposed, followed by their general characteristics. The problems of the importance of public administration tools in the framework of the implementation of management functions performed by this specialized military formation have been studied. It is emphasized that the presence of these tools is a prerequisite for the implementation of management steps. The above constitutes a critical and unalternative position from the point of view of the application of appropriate measures within the limits of one or another outlined direction. Based on the preliminary results, an attempt was made to determine the place of the State Special Transport Service in the structure of the Ministry of Defense system. Based on the competence of the institution, directions of influence and awareness of the role of the stability of the transport component, a well-argued assumption is made about the uniquely important role of this institution.

Constitutional and legal framework for the institutionalization of Ukraine’s security and defense sector

Constitutional and legal framework for the institutionalization of Ukraine’s security and defense sector