Tactical Nature Research Articles

Strategic Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Deterrence in Russia’s National Security Policy

In the present context of a sharp aggravation of interstate rivalry and escalation of traditional and new threats, the importance of policy, forces and means of strategic deterrence in ensuring Russia’s national security cannot be overstated. Fundamental decisions on the development of strategic deterrence capabilities were made by the Russian leadership back in the late 1990s. These decisions were based on the long-term political and military forecasts first made by the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Council and then furthered by the Security Council of the Russian Federation. This paper examines how these decisions were put into practice in the subsequent years and how they have permeated the concept of strategic deterrence in Russia’s updated national security policy. The first section of the article identifies the key forces and facilities underlying the policy of the Russian Federation in the field of strategic nuclear deterrence. The author emphasizes that this policy is defensive in its nature and in terms of material capacities is based on achievements of Russian science and industry in general and the defense industry in particular. These advancements, in turn, rely on the foundations laid down in the USSR, and at the same time result from the timely modernization of Russia’s nuclear triad. The second section analyzes the role of non-nuclear deterrence in the national security policy of Russia. The author notes that a formidable threat of using a high-precision long-range conventionally-armed carrier within the framework of non-nuclear (‘pre-nuclear’) deterrence can effectively complement the nuclear deterrence system. That said, the author concludes that the solution to the problem of ensuring both nuclear and non-nuclear deterrence requires working out a large number of different scenarios, not only political ones, but also of a purely military, strategic and even tactical nature. It also necessitates the coordinated and systematic work of both military and civilian specialists representing the widest range of applied and fundamental disciplines.

FEATURES OF PREPARATION FOR CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIVE (SEARCH) ACTIONS IN THE CONDITIONS OF EPIDEMIC, PANDEMIC

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of preparation for conducting investigative (search) actions in an epidemic, pandemic. It is noted that the conduct of investigative (investigative) actions in the context of an epidemic, a pandemic determines the search for ways of both organization and tactics of activity that would satisfy the needs for the implementation of the tasks of criminal proceedings and would ensure the rights of its participants in particular to ensure security. Implementation of the specified by the author is seen in modernization and computerization, application of achievements of scientific and technological progress and more effective use of existing technical and forensic means and other measures, including organizational and tactical nature, etc. It is noted that the achievement of the goals of criminal proceedings is possible in the case of careful preparation for conducting investigative (investigative) actions in an epidemic, pandemic, where no measure or means of ensuring the safety of participants should be given an exclusive role. Only an integrated and systematic approach to the assessment and application of the relevant totality with the avoidance of the possibility of exaggerating the value of each individual tool and measure can increase the security of the authorized person, the participants in the investigation and third parties.

Drivers of Arab Countries’ Growing Interest to the Eurasian Geopolitical Space

Facing the dynamic development of diversified contacts between Russia and the Arab world amidst the steadily increasing political and economic interest of Arab countries[1] in the Eurasian geopolitical space, an adequate assessment of the causes and the strength potential of such growth has acquired particular importance. This enables us to hedge both political and business risks by predicting scenarios for the future development, and, which is even more important, to address effectively challenges and problems. The successful implementation of the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation approved on March 31, 2023 in the medium and long terms depends on the survivability of the new paradigm of relations between Russia and the Arab countries, regardless of the anti-Russia Western sanctions. This fully correlates with Russian efforts to promote integration processes in Eurasia, primarily under the within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as well as outside Eurasia with the involvement of big Eurasian states (India, China) and the non-Eurasian “rising powers” (Brazil, South Africa, etc.) on the BRICS platform. The comprehensive analysis of the factors which have been stimulating the interest of the Arab countries in Eurasia, complementing the already existing sporadic domestic and foreign studies, is intended to form a list of arguments in favor of proving the hypothesis of the strategic, rather than purely tactical nature of the intentions of Arab elites to cooperate with Russia and other Eurasian states. Such arguments imply among other things the common perception by Russia and the Arabs of the current historical transition from the unipolar to a multipolar world.

‘Gaming’ in the English primary school: ‘do whatever you need to do to make your data look good’

ABSTRACT In an international policy environment of intensified high-stakes accountability, pupil assessment data are an invaluable commodity and critical indicator of both school and teacher effectiveness. Teachers’ engagement with pupil data and the associated experiences of increased accountability are of great consequence, and highly contentious for perceptions and experiences of policy. In the context of the English primary school, this paper explores the progressively tactical nature of teachers’ enactment of assessment policy, and the impetus to ‘make the data look good’. It draws upon an empirical study of rich qualitative data from 42 interviews with 22 primary teachers employed in the South-East of England. The findings add to an evolving field about ‘gaming’, and particular consequences for teacher identity are discussed. The paper further advances insights about teachers’ experiences of ‘in-school assessment’ as pertinent for understanding gaming. It locates the pupil progress meeting as an iteration of teacher accountability and performativity, and particular site of contestation, and a specific contribution to knowledge in this regard.

Tactical Features of the Interrogation of a Suspect (Accused) in a Conflict Situation in the Investigation of Terrorist and Extremist Crimes

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the interrogation of a suspect (accused) in criminal cases of terrorist and extremist orientation. Interrogation is one of the most difficult investigative actions in tactical terms. The investigator or another person who takes testimony from the interrogated has to face a number of difficulties. The article highlights the problematic aspects of interrogation in a conflict situation of both procedural and tactical nature. Forensically, investigative tactics are based on scientifically proved recommendations from various fields of knowledge. The key in the verbal contact of the subjects of interrogation is knowledge from the field of psychology based on the characterological features of the criminal’s personality. The problem of identifying the psychological personality type of the interrogated person is associated with his various behavioral reactions to stimuli, as well as features of world perception, cultural, aesthetic preferences. The article defines the investigative task of recognizing the radical personality of the suspect (accused) to establish psychological contact with him (paranoid, hysteroid, epileptoid, emotive, hyperthymic, anxious and schizoid). Most of the considered tactics and combinations relate to the psychology of the relations of the opposing participants in criminal proceedings. On the one hand, this is an investigator, who must take truthful testimony and, on the other hand, a suspect (accused) who is trying to avoid criminal liability for an illegal act committed or minimize this liability. Tactical interrogation techniques developed in domestic criminology have been clarified by the author of the article and supplemented for the purposes of effective investigation of terrorism and extremism. The proposed recommendations for obtaining testimony can be used not only at the stage of preliminary investigation of crimes, but also during the pre-investigation check.

Social Determinant of Unconventional Resilience Tactical Engagement with Bonding Patterns.

Building upon our strategic framework and operational model, we will discuss findings from our ethnographic study, entitled: "The Impact of Catastrophic Injury Exposure on Resilience in Special Operations Surgical Teams (SOSTs)," to explain the tactical nature and importance of social determinants within our new characterization of unconventional resilience. Our fourth paper in this series, will explain how bonding patterns establish the quality of intra- and interpersonal connections that create a tensive conduit for the pressure of performance within our operational model, allowing for dynamic freedom of maneuver to take place in ambiguity. We will use qualita- tive quotes to illustrate various ways SOST medics relate to themselves, other people, and the Special Operations Forces (SOF) culture. To achieve our goals, we will: 1) provide an in- troduction to social determinants as tactical engagement with unconventional resilience; 2) define the social determinant of bonding patterns as extrapolated from qualitative data as well as use qualitative data to thematize various types of bonding patterns; and 3) relate tactical engagement with bonding pat- terns to our metaphor of bag sets. We conclude by gesturing to the importance of bonding patterns in orienting SOF medics' proprioception and kinesthesia in the SOF performance space.

Formation of information decision support system in the diagnostics of management efficiency of enterprise’s financial and economic activity

The complexity management of financial and economic activity of the enterprise requires the search for qualitatively new approaches to the formation, systematization and analysis of information in order to identify and solve the problems of developing a strategy and tactics for the development of the enterprise. The purpose of the paper is the formation and justification of the structure of information support system’s formation concerning decisions in the diagnostics of financial and economic activity of the enterprise management efficiency, which is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of management decision-making of a strategic and tactical nature. The tasks of the information support system for diagnostics of financial and economic activity of the enterprise management efficiency have been determined, which allows to eliminate a number of causes of information uncertainty in the process of managing the enterprise's activities. It is proved that the system of information support for decision-making in the diagnosis of financial and economic activity of the enterprise management efficiency should be considered in the form of three interconnected subsystems, which are lower-order systems, namely: the financial and information system, the system of financial and information diagnostics and the system of detected financial problems. The author proposed a comprehensive functionality of all components of the information support system for decision-making support in the diagnosis of the management of the financial and economic activities of the enterprise, which will increase the validity and effectiveness of the management decisions made, taking into account the influence of the instability of the external and internal environment of its functioning.

Coverage of Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in the international press: A perspective on indexing theory

This article tests the key arguments of indexing theory by analysing how the press of seven countries reported Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The seven countries represent a mix of democratic (US, UK, India and Pakistan) and authoritarian governments (Russia, China and Iran). In a marked similarity, we found that press of the two types of political systems mainly supported their governments’ policy towards the Taliban. Though the democratic press showed some critical coverage, it was of tactical nature. Moreover, most political and security events in Afghanistan were reported in neutral way, suggesting the democratic press compromised on their critical agenda to hold their governments responsible for their actions. In terms of news sources, the press of US and UK involved more foreign sources as compared to other countries. The findings suggest the security nature of events is an important determinant of whether official indexing will prevail or confronted in press coverage of international conflicts.

FORMATION OF THE SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT OF INNOVATIVE AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

Introduction. It is appropriate to include the organizational and management structure and relevant units that develop and make management decisions in the field of investment, as well as managers with the appropriate level of professional training, for whom the rights, duties and responsibility. At the same time, the formation of the organizational structure of management of investment processes at the enterprise is influenced by many factors, in particular, the size of the enterprise, forms and volumes of investment activity, organizational and legal form, etc. Methods. In the process of conducting research, general scientific and special methods of economic research were used, in particular: systematic approach, comparative, dialectical, abstract and logical methods. The results. It has been proven that the process of creating a management system for innovation and investment activities with an appropriate organizational structure consists of organizational, administrative and technical measures that require initial investments. These organizational measures should include a set of measures to coordinate the activities of developers and users of the investment activity management system, which are bound by resources and deadlines. In order to form a system of information support for the process of substantiating and making a decision on investment in agricultural production, the model has structural subdivisions that allow assessing the capabilities of the enterprise and investors in relation to the implementation of a specific investment project. The characteristic features of the management of innovative and investment activities of agricultural enterprises are singled out: the dominance of investments in real investments; the main goals involve the implementation of tasks of a tactical nature; lack of a special unit for coordination and regulation; the investment decision is taken collegially; among the project documentation, a business project is most often developed; there is no practice of developing documents for operational management of the “capital budget” and “calendar plan” during the implementation of an investment project. Discussion. Under the conditions of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, business entities are forced to radically change the management system of innovation and investment activities, focusing mainly on the use of their own financial resources. In this regard, there is a need to form a system of organizational support for attracting investments in the implementation of innovative projects aimed at increasing the volume of production of products with a high level of added value by subjects of entrepreneurial activity in the field of agribusiness. Keywords: innovation, investment, activity, agricultural enterprise, information.

Efficiency of tactical training of football players 11-12 years old using interactive tasks

In the article, a comparative analysis of tactical training programs for football players aged 11-12 years (at the stage of preliminary basic training) is carried out using traditional (training program for football players of the "Rukh" Lviv Academy) and author's approaches (experimental program for tactical training of football players using interactive tasks) to build them content. The author's program of tactical training of 11-12-year-old football players is generally created on the basis of preliminary research. In particular, the data obtained: before the beginning, during and after the completion of the pedagogical experiment with 11-12- year-old football players, who play in the youth sports center of the Rukh Lviv football club, were analyzed. An analysis of modern foreign scientific literature on football was carried out, which describes the tactical training of football players in the early stages of multi-year sports improvement. Conducting a pedagogical experiment made it possible to testify that 11-12-year-old football players are quite capable of effectively performing tasks of a tactical nature in "one-on-one" and "two-on-one" situations while playing football. Also, the players of both studied groups demonstrated sufficient results when performing complex group interactions, namely: "two against two" and "three against two". However, the superiority of the players of the experimental group over the football players of the control group was recorded in virtually all the control tests that took place after the end of the pedagogical experiment. Therefore, it is worth considering that due to the selection of rational methods and means, it is possible to purposefully and effectively influence the tactical preparedness of young Ukrainian football players starting from the early years of playing football (in particular, from the age of 11-12).

Reversing “Liberal” Aspirations: A View from “Citizen’s” Movements in Africa

ABSTRACT Since Tahir Square, a series of movements and uprisings have spread around Africa. Redefining themselves as “citizens” movements to emphasise their “rights”, one of the most significant characteristics is their tendency to couch their aspirations in terms that resonate the liberal moral order. Yet in so doing they also create a new subjectivity and redefine democracy, development and human rights. With the cases of Y'en a Marre in Senegal, and LUCHA in DRC, the article analyses this rearticulation, not as reproducing the dominant discourse, but as a reversed discourse that critiques and a challenges the status quo. Following Foucault's approach, the paper embraces the circular, contradictory and tactical nature of discourses, but expands it with African political theory and resistance theory to articulate resistance as acts that attack and subvert power at the same time that creates new subjectivities.

INTERROGATION OF THE SUSPECT THROUGH SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND PRACTICE

When conducting the interrogation of the suspect, elements of a real, psychological and tactical nature should be taken into account. Interrogation of a suspect is a knowledge and skill to be learned. It is a specialized investigative work and, accordingly, it is contrary to interrogation tactics and inexpedient to provoke conflict situations and conflicts with the examinee, because then it is impossible to establish a relationship of trust. Subjective side of the offense such as: motives, role in the crime (manner of entering the criminal zone) etc., can be easily learned from the suspect, and with the help of data of the examinee’s personality, the procedural authority can determine the meaning of the crime, psychological process that led the perpetrator to criminal reactions, etc., as well as obtain an answer about the social danger (harmfulness) of the perpetrator. Research is a dynamic process based on examiner adapting to a given situation and achieving his or her goals. In order to achieve this, the following must be done: preparation, plan and support by a multidisciplinary team. Estimating and adjusting the first impressions is an important factor in the whole course of interrogation. One of the first tasks of the examiner is to assess the level of cooperation and resistance of the subject. Making sense in the context of interrogation provides a framework for understanding the subject’s resistance and what motivates him to get involved.

Organizational and procedural aspects of obtaining testimony during a court interrogation

The article makes a meaningful analysis of the scientific works and the rules of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Ukraine, which define the concept of testimony as a procedural source of evidence in criminal proceedings, its methods of obtaining, verifying, and evaluating. The legislative regulations and procedural procedure for the judicial interrogation of participants in criminal proceedings have been studied. Attention is paid to certain innovations in legislation that require scientific understanding, interpretation, and choice of appropriate tactics by a defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge. The methodological basis of the article is the complex application of general methods and special methods of scientific knowledge in its relationship, selected considering the purpose and objectives of the study, its object and theme. By way of conclusion, the proposals and recommendations of an organizational and tactical nature are based, aimed at improving police practice to address the existing problems of obtaining, verifying, and evaluating testimonies in the evidentiary process.

From visualization to discovery, a transdisciplinary framework to re-engineer engineering practices

One way business students apply theoretical knowledge and enhance their decision-making skills is by using digital simulators and seldomly in real life due to the strategic and economic nature of the consequences involved. Besides, engineering students practice their knowledge and skills in laboratories and or actual companies, in many cases, due to the economic and tactical nature of the decisions involved. Due to the COVID pandemic starting in 2020, many engineering schools closed their laboratory access while companies also paused their students' involvement. Hence, many engineering faculties searched for new ways to keep educational schedules and standards. The contribution of this work supplies a transdisciplinary framework (involving faculty, students, and practitioners) to redesign engineering practices to achieve and improve pre-pandemic learning levels. A Six Sigma experience using a web-based Virtual Reality production facility illustrates the framework through three iterations: one-way information flow, two-way interaction with limited capabilities, and complex systems simulations to explore sophisticated challenges. Results show that students experience a more substantial engagement in these novel practices where they expose themselves to challenges that, in many cases, could not be possible in a real-life experience due to safety and economic consequences.

A Systematic Mapping Study on Cyber Security Indicator Data

A security indicator is a sign that shows us what something is like or how a situation is changing and can aid us in making informed estimations on cyber risks. There are many different breeds of security indicators, but, unfortunately, they are not always easy to apply due to a lack of available or credible sources of data. This paper undertakes a systematic mapping study on the academic literature related to cyber security indicator data. We identified 117 primary studies from the past five years as relevant to answer our research questions. They were classified according to a set of categories related to research type, domain, data openness, usage, source, type and content. Our results show a linear growth of publications per year, where most indicators are based on free or internal technical data that are domain independent. While these indicators can give valuable information about the contemporary cyber risk, the increasing usage of unconventional data sources and threat intelligence feeds of more strategic and tactical nature represent a more forward-looking trend. In addition, there is a need to take methods and techniques developed by the research community from the conceptual plane and make them practical enough for real-world application.

The specifics of forming a strategy for sustainable development of the regional agro-industrial complex

The article deals with the problem of sustainable concept development of the regional agro-industrial complex (AGC). A reasonable and objective approach to this problem using the knowledge of regularities of socio-ecological-economic systems development and the study of divergent environmental factors and internal environment enables developing effective management decisions of strategic and tactical nature of the selection tools sustainable agriculture development. The formal presentation of the agro-industrial complex's main stability characteristics allows providing a comprehensive assessment of its condition to justify a particular structural model of the sustainable development strategy of AGC with changes in the level of exposure to environmental parameters.

Problem aspects of organizational and tactical support of interrogation in the investigation of crimes in tourist industry

It is emphasized that the investigation of crimes in the field of tourism has certain specifics due to the circumstances and mechanism of this crime. A special place among all other sources of evidence is occupied by testimony, which takes the form of evidence only in the case of observance of the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of persons who have information about the event of a criminal offense and their proper procedural design. However, during interrogations in the investigation of crimes related to tourism, investigators often face difficulties of both procedural and organizational and tactical nature. The most significant problem is the lack of time for full preparation for the interrogation, with the study of legislation in the field of tourism, taking into account all the circumstances to be established and drawing up an interrogation plan. The use by investigators of the full range of tactics recommended by criminology and developed in practice is also not used to a sufficient extent. Investigators lack the time and technical ability to accompany the process of obtaining evidence by audio or video recording. For the most part, suspects withdraw their testimony after some time on the grounds that it was obtained as a result of psychological pressure or physical influence. While audio and video materials could help to refute these statements and prove the legitimacy of the actions of the person conducting the interrogation. It is noted that when interrogating victims, witnesses, suspects in criminal proceedings related to tourism, the investigator should be critical of their testimony and compare them with other evidence. It is important for the investigator to establish whether the interrogated are in a business relationship with the head of a tourist or hotel-restaurant enterprise and what their nature is. This need is due to the prevalence of situations where persons who declare themselves as witnesses are involved in criminal acts. Recommenda-tions on the most effective organization and tactics of interrogation in proceedings of this category are given.

CONSTRUCTION OF A SIMULATION MODEL OF MANAGEMENT OF INTERNAL COMMODITY FLOWS OF PHARMACY NETWORKS

Purpose. The aim of the article is to develop a simulation model of internal product flow management processes of pharmacy networks. Methodology of research. The theoretical basis for building a system and dynamic model of flow control in the logistics system of the pharmacy network are scientific articles by domestic and foreign scientists on the problems of management of logistics and flow of pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy networks. The following research methods are used to achieve this goal: analysis and synthesis (in the study of the theoretical foundations of the formation of logistics systems of pharmacy networks); economic and mathematical modelling (to optimize the management of domestic commodity flows). Findings. A simulation system and dynamic model of product flow management of the logistics system of the pharmacy network in conditions of demand uncertainty has been developed, in particular: 1) the input variables and parameters of the commodity flow management model in the logistics system of the pharmacy network are studied, the limitations and conditions of its application are formed; 2) a system of difference equations of levels, rates and auxiliary variables of the model is developed. Originality. Scientific and methodological approach to the management of commodity flows of logistics systems of pharmacy networks in terms of random demand is improved on the basis of a simulation model of system dynamics. It includes a sub-model of commodity flows and a sub-model of accounting for logistics costs, the implementation of which within the mechanism of management of commodity flows of logistics systems of pharmacy networks allows to simplify the process of analysis and management of the pharmacy network management decisions of operational and tactical nature. Practical value. The results of the study can be applied in practical activities of pharmacy networks in order to increase the efficiency of formation and operation of their logistics systems. Key words: commodity flow management, logistics systems of pharmacy networks, optimization, modelling.

A recursive simulation-optimization framework for the ambulance location and dispatching problem

This study addresses the Ambulance Location and Dispatching Problem (ALDP), which jointly determines the location of available ambulances and their dispatching policy. The latter takes the form of a dispatching list that defines, for each zone of the covered territory, an ordered list providing a hierarchy of ambulances to be chosen whenever a call arrives. While decisions concerning the ambulance locations are of a tactical nature and often based on static information (i.e. average demand), ambulance dispatching is a real-time decision that must take into consideration the current state of the system (i.e. busy and idle ambulances) when selecting the ambulance to respond to the incoming emergency call. Although only few works have considered these two decisions jointly, they all conclude that the system’s performance can be improved and the fleet management decisions streamlined by doing so. However, one of the challenges of the ALDP lies in the estimation of the ambulance availability, which has been addressed in previous papers by means of queueing approaches. In this paper, we propose a recursive simulation-optimization framework which encompasses a mathematical formulation for the ALDP and a discrete event simulation model that produces both empirical estimations of the ambulance availability and the system’s performance. Extensive numerical experiments on a set of realistic instances show the potential of the proposed approach as an effective tool for dealing with EMS decision-making.

Creativity, Conviviality, and Civil Society in Neoliberalizing Public Space: Changing Politics and Discourses in Skateboarder Activism From New York City to Los Angeles

Neoliberal urbanism often draws critiques because it privatizes public space and excludes specific social groups whose interests are not in line with the development goals of local states and corporations. This article, through an exploration of the politics and discourses of urban skateboarding, suggests that this clear distinction, between entrepreneurialism and community–based place making, may fail to explain transformative changes occurring in public space today. Comparing two grassroots activist campaigns at the Brooklyn Banks in New York City (NYC) and West LA Courthouse in the city of Los Angeles (LA), this article explains the ways in which skateboarders leverage specific neoliberal ideologies to claim their right to these two settings. In both cases, skateboarders save spaces through entrepreneurial urban means that bolster neoliberal values while retaining the tactical nature of their activities. Although both activist movements pursue the common values of authenticity, entrepreneurship, and private funding, they employ different discourses to reclaim public space. The NYC skaters frame a security discourse, which ultimately limits their continual access to the Brooklyn Banks. The LA skate community, on the contrary, constructs a spontaneity discourse, characterized by creativity, conviviality, and civil society, successfully transforming the West LA Courthouse into a legalized skate plaza. Our findings suggest that skateboarding communities and their spatial activism are resilient enough to articulate different rationales and successfully fight to transform public spaces into urban commons. However, we argue that ‘the discourses’ matter significantly in the processes and outcomes of activist mobilizations occurring within neoliberalizing public space.