The Journal Security Dialogues (SD) is particularly interested in papers that link domestic and international political issues and developments with national and regional security concerns and implications. Security is understood both in its traditional (e.g., interstate wars and conflict, weapons proliferation, military modernization, alliance building, defence and foreign policy, arms control, etc.) and non-traditional (e.g., weak states, civil wars, insurgency movements, ethnic violence, economic crisis, social conflicts, democratic change, transnational terrorism, piracy, human security, etc.) senses.
Филозофски факултет - Скопје/ Faculty of Philosophy - Skopje
NEED ASSESSMENT OF UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Between mid-May and mid-June 2022, 10 students from the Faculty of Philosophy, supported by 3 Ukrainian language interpreters, conducted 49 interviews with refugees from Ukraine, overall covering 244 individuals in Skopje, Ohrid, Stip and Bitola. This report presents the main findings relating to refugees’ profiles, intentions, and needs, aiming to provide an evidence-based document to support advocacy interventions that will be most beneficial to these refugees, complementary support to the one to be provided by the government as well as individual assistance when/if needed. Key findings • The majority of refugees from Ukraine are women and children, with high levels of education and diverse professional skills among adults • While most refugees hope to return to Ukraine one day, for the time being, the majority plan to stay in their current host country
NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND ITS COHERENT IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL INTERESTS
National security is a segment that is considered from the perspective of an integral part of the theory of regional security complex. The focus of this paper is to determine the relevance of the state national interests, with special reference to giving appropriate proposals in the part of better management of them in the future and its more adequate complementarity during the renewal of strategies. The necessity of rebuilding the national interests is necessary in order to monitor the fight against modern threats. The need to specify long-term national interests is of vital importance for every modern state, so our state needs to build a solid foundation for the analogous functioning of all segments of the state system by specifically defining strategic national interests based on the existing ones. Analogous to what was written, certain theoretical proposals were given that would be useful in terms of the survival of national interests as the core of a state and a guide for further strategic challenges.
RESHAPING NORTH MACEDONIA: THE NAME CHANGE AND THE PRESPA AGREEMENT
The Balkans have been a significant region in political history. Despite being a small, mountainous country without a coastline, Macedonia’s territory has been a significant region throughout history, attracting the attention of major powers due to its strategic location. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991, Macedonia declared its independence. During this period, Greece reacted strongly against the independence. In this context, North Macedonia has been experiencing a name and other crisis. According to Greece, Macedonia doesn’t have the territory to use this name, flag, and the national anthem. In addition, they blame to Macedonia with appropriate to Greek cultural values as, Vergina Sun, Alexander the Great. Also, the statue of Alexander the Great built in the center of Skopje, renaming of Skopje airport to “Alexander the Great Airport,” and the description of the Thessaloniki Tower on the Macedonian currency have all been perceived as provocative actions by Greece. Greece identifies Macedonia’s historical and cultural heritage with its own identity, while the presence of minorities also raises concerns. Additionally, the fact that the preamble of the “Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia” states that the principles of the 1944 ASNOM Declaration are inherited and emphasizes that Macedonians living in the territories of Greece and Bulgaria will be united under the Macedonian Socialist Republic, constitutes one of the main reasons for Greece’s concerns. Greece has clearly opposed the use of the name “Macedonia” by rejecting both the existence of the Macedonian minority living within its borders and the recognition of the Macedonian nation. Greece has created international pressure for the resolution of the name issue by blocking Macedonia’s NATO and European Union membership process. After the discussions, the Prespa Agreement was signed in 2018 (Gounaris & Kofos, 2019).
Macedonia, Greece, Name dispute, Cultural heritage, Identity
CONTEMPORARY REFLECTIONS ON THE INTERSECTIONS OF POLITICS, CORRUPTION AND SPORTS
This paper aims to present the negative impacts of politics and corruption on sports as a social phenomenon, which, due to such malign influences, is increasingly moving away from its original humanistic concept. The impact of politics and corruption is driving sports towards dehumanisation and national, religious, and racial discrimination of all its participants. Sports have become a battleground for power struggles between superpowers and small states, with nationalism and xenophobia imposing characteristics that contradict the very essence of sports. Today, sports are a crucial aspect of the ideological operations of systems that use sports to solve certain problems or as a mobilising force to support the system. Often, sports are treated as a means of achieving the basic ideological goals of society or the government. Sports have become an ideological tool to deceive the masses and maintain the control of the ruling powers. The integration of politics, sports, and power allows sports to be turned into entertainment for the masses, and under the motto “bread and circuses,” the people are turned into an audience, a crowd, which, through repressive behaviour control, absorbs social discontent arising from the marginal social position of certain groups. Sports are suitable for influencing the masses, especially the youth, and for affirming various political ideologies and social anomalies and irregularities. Therefore, corruption, a negative phenomenon that has not spared sports despite its initially noble assumptions, is not new. In one form or another, it has always existed. Corruption appears in various forms throughout sports, undermining honesty, fair play, and trust in the game. The increasing amounts of money inherent in sports make this industry susceptible to corruption, while the participants become addicted to power, elitism, and betting.
Dehumanization, ideological goals, political ideologies, corruption, social groups
NATO AND SECURITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA IMPACT AND CHALLENGES
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), comprised of 32 member states from North America and Europe, represents the largest military and political alliance of today. Membership in NATO is widely accepted as a guarantee of security, but it has been a subject of political conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina for an extended period, as well as in other countries in the region. Currently, all Western Balkan countries (Albania, North Macedonia, and Montenegro) except Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Serbia are full members of NATO. Under the guise of military neutrality, the Republic of Serbia rejects the desire for full NATO membership, citing the NATO bombing of the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1999 as a key argument against joining. Bosnia and Herzegovina initially had unanimous support for full NATO membership after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but over time, this support weakened and transformed into open opposition from representatives of the Republika Srpska entity. The lack of a pragmatic and thorough assessment of the interests of joining NATO, considering regional and global developments, Russian influence on the Balkans and the fact that there is a new reordering of the fragmented order in which military-political neutrality loses its meaning, further complicates the integration process in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Analyze of the impact of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s membership in NATO and its consequences are in focus of this paper.
KEY COMMITMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS FROM THE 2024 NATO SUMMIT IN WASHINGTON
In the period from 9 until 11 July, 2024, the 75 anniversary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Alliance was held in Washington, in the conditions of a conventional threat to the security of the Alliance and in a time of war on the soil of Europe. NATO leaders discussed strategically important issues related to deterrence and defense, long-term support for Ukraine and cooperation with the Alliance’s global partners. The focus in strengthening the Alliance’s defense and deterrence is placed through “investing in new, modern high-end military capabilities” and “increasing the readiness of our forces,” (Stoltenberg, 2024) all underpinned by major increases in defence spending across the Alliance by supporting the increase in defense spending. I have suggested that at the Summit, we agree a big NATO role in coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine,” he said. “I strongly believe that we need a firmer, stronger institutionalized structure for the support. Ad-hoc, short term, voluntary announcements are good – but in the long term, we need more predictable, stronger support for Ukraine. In relation to the support of Ukraine, NATO is expected to increase its role in the coordinating and providing security assistance and training for Ukraine. According to Stoltenberg, this implies the establishment of a “firmer, stronger institutionalized structure” that will ensure a more predictable and sustainable long-term support of Ukraine. Cooperation with partners is crucial for security and stability because security is not only a regional issue but also a global issue.
NATO, Deterrence and Defence, Partners, Ukraine
COMMON SECURITY DENOMINATOR OF THE WESTERN NALKANS IN THE THIRD DECADE OD 21ST CENTURY: RISKS, OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The purpose of this paper is to identify the key security risks in the area of the Western Balkans, which are actually the common denominator in attempts at cooperation, coordination and integration in the field of creating defense and security policies, on regional and national level. Apart from the identification of security risks that determine the viability of Western Balkan actors, the fact that it is a region that is not fully integrated within the NATO defense and security infrastructure, partial integration will be used as a variable in the analysis of cooperation opportunities, in the political and contractual context. Finally, the capacities of regional cooperation in the field of security, determined by bilateral and regional agreement frameworks, will be presented. The contribution of this work in a scientific sense will be the answer to the question of how much the potential joint action of small states in the face of modern security risks affects the process of creating security sustainability at the individual (state) level, as the ultimate goal in understanding national interests.
Western Balkans, NATO, security, common denominator, risks, cooperation, coordination, integration
THE EUROPEAN UNION AND FOOD INSECURITY AS A LOOMING THREAT
From climate change to ethnic conflicts, from pandemics to cyber terrorism, humanity faces many non-traditional, multi-dimensional and complex security threats in the 21st century. Food security is one of these challenges that concerns the whole world and requires global solutions. The European Union (EU), as one of the actors with the highest level of welfare and providing the most humanitarian aid in the world, is not currently facing a serious food crisis. However, the adverse effects of climate change and the challenges that the Union has recently faced, such as the European debt crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war, have brought food security to the top of the EU agenda. This study aims to research the issue of food insecurity in the European Union. The main argument of the study is that food security is not currently an acute problem for the European Union, but it is a looming threat. Although the EU has addressed food insecurity within the scope of agricultural policy until recently, in today’s “overheated” world full of natural disasters, economic crises, wars and conflicts, food security is now requiring a multidimensional approach, including economic, energy, health, environmental and social policies.
European Union, Food security, Climate change, Covid-19, Russia-Ukraine war
APPLYING NEGOTIATION PROCESS – THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL UNDERSTANDINGS
There is no doubt that conflicts (violent or non-violent) are an integral part of the relations between different actors at both, the national, regional and international levels. Starting from this conclusion, there is an inevitable need for applying appropriate strategies and approaches that will enable their efficient and successful management and resolution. It is exactly from such aspect that the significance of the negotiation process arises as an instrument for peaceful resolution of open issues or disputes, through the establishment and realization of communication between the opposing parties. However, as the experience to date in this regard shows, the realization of the negotiation process is not always established and realized in accordance with the projected visions. Hence, the focus of this paper is specifically directed towards the analysis of the negotiation process essence, mainly through the prism of some of the existing theoretical and practical aspects in this regard. Specifically, by analyzing the characteristics of the basic elements, phases and models of the negotiation process, the aim is closer identification of the main challenges and perspectives related to the applicability of the negotiation process.
communication, negotiation, resolution, conflict
CONTROL OVER THE SECURITY SERVICES AS AN INDICATOR OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM
Liberal democracy as a current and dominant political model in the world represents a kind of equilibrium of a multitude of social relations and connections between the people who make up the society. Democracy as a form of political arrangement has freedom and equality in its essence.In order to enable or realize these two main postulates, society creates a system based on norms and institutions, which in turn model the citizenship of man today. Part of the institutions of the system are the security institutions, whose main mission is the guarantor of one of the basic human motives, security. The security services, like no other institution, in the realization of their mission use means and methods whose possible abuse devastates the entire political system and society in general. This is the foundation of the need for adequate control that will ensure their legal operation. Legality in the operation of the security services is imperative because their work methodology encroaches on the most basic human rights, they have information whose misuse is a flagrant violation of human freedom and rights. A fact that is established in the history of mankind. The world, the region and our country are witnessing the abuse of these institutions, which created great consequences for the future. Macedonia has witnessed several abuses of these institutions since independence until now. The last abuse that was discovered in 2015, with the illegal wiretapping, is the largest so far in terms of its scope and substance. From it, materials were illegally created for a large part of the political and media public, the business community, the judiciary, the prosecutor’s office as well as other segments of society. Even today, the dilemma about the integrity of the persons and the institutions managed by them, for which there is material from the illegal wiretapping, is still relevant. It is legitimate to question whether we can call ourselves a free society if a large part of the elite daily performs important duties aware that someone owns a part of their privacy. Therefore, it is quite natural that the quality of the control of the security services rises to the rank of an indicator of the degree of democracy in a society. Macedonia has entered the fourth decade of liberal democratic life, from a legal and normative point of view it is creating a model of parliamentary and civil control of services, but the practice is disappointing, confronting us with the fact that the form has no substance, that the declarative differs from the real.
controlling, overseeing, political system, security services, democracy
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS OF UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS OF SPECIAL FORCES AND THEIR IMPACT ON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
This research examines the unconventional tactics and strategies inherent in special forces, focusing on methods such as diversion, sabotage, assassination, and subversion. We analyse how these strategies affect national and international security using a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates theoretical frameworks from criminology, political science, and security studies. The article reveals the complex interactions between special tactics and broader security dynamics, highlighting how they can simultaneously serve as instruments to achieve political goals and raise significant ethical and legal dilemmas. The research results provide deeper insight into the mechanisms of special operations and their consequences, offering practical guidelines for shaping effective responses to security challenges in the modern world. This article is not only theoretically relevant but also has direct practical implications for security policies and strategies at the global level.
special forces, diversions, sabotage, assassinations, subversion, special war
ANALYSIS OF WARFIGHTING FUNCTIONS– THE UKRAINIAN COUNTEROFFENSIVE IN CONTEXT
This paper provides a detailed analysis ofwarfighting functions during the counteroffensive of the Ukrainian forces against Russian forces, as well as the efficiencyof warfighting functions, which has a significant impact on the results of the war. It will cover the period from the start of the counter-offensive of the Ukrainian forces, from June 2023, when some victories were recorded by the Ukrainian forces. Through the analysis and processing of confidential and already available information from social networks, media and the Washington Post, and in accordance with the comparison with the US doctrine, a special emphasis was placed on one of the warfighting functions in Ukrainian counter-offensive, that is, the system for combat service support.The method of analyses and synthesis was used to summarize the results and arrive at the conclusion. Hence it is confirmed that in terms of the organization and implementation of the combat service support warfighting function, the Ukrainian forces have failed to meet the right requirements in the right place and at the right time. The main culprit in all of this is the lack of sufficient time for preparation and training of personnel for different models of the same type of assets that were donated by Western countries during the war, as well as the rejection of US military officials’ advice to use frontal attack along one axis.
Ukrainian forces,warfighting functions, service support, analysis
THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE IS FERTILE GROUND FOR TERRORIST RADICALIZATION
The article deals with broadening the view of terrorist radicalization, starting from the causes that lead to terrorist radicalization, through social media as a friend of terrorist propaganda distribution, and up to the migration to the dark side of the Internet. The current global landscape is affected by multiple recent crises and largely with high uncertainty, this combined with overall hyper-connectivity is a fertile ground for terrorist radicalization. The impact that terrorists have is due to the spread of their narrative through the media, distributing propaganda material that is easily accessible to all. This material remains available and a potential risk for the spread of new recruits. The online environment is a key medium for terrorist propaganda where law enforcement agencies are forced to take deeper steps to deal with disinformation and propaganda spread by terrorist organizations, which in turn forces terrorists to change their structure and modus operandi.
Terrorism, radicalization, social media, anonymous platforms, dark web
UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION ON SREBRENICA GENOCIDE,SOLUTION OR DISSOLUTION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?
The General Assembly of the United Nations adopts Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide on 23 May 2024, designating 11 July as the „International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica“. The Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide was adopted by a vote of 84 in favour to 19 against, with 68 abstentions. One of the objectives of adopting the Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide is to condemne any denial of Srebrenica genocide and actions that glorify those convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide by international courts. The adoption of the Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide resonates in the region of the Western Balkans, but also far beyond its borders. Part of the statements that preceded the adoption of the Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide and that appeared in public after its adoption may exacerbate tensions, and even existence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Aim of this paper is to analyze the statements and narratives relate to Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide and put it in the context of the current political and security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Does the adoption of the Resolution on Srebrenica Genocide lead to further reconciliation of the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Will there be a review of the conflicts of the last century in Western Balkan region after this?
United Nations, Genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
“TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN? EU-NATO OVERLAP IN SAFEGUARDING EUROPEAN CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE POST - 2022”
Until 2022, European citizens had not faced any direct physical threat to their Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) for generations. However, in September of that year, everything changed with the sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which connected Germany to Russia. The research begins from this period due to the significance of both the year and the event. That year saw the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, introducing a new (in)security landscape for Europe. The event was also unprecedented, emphasizing the importance of this starting point. This shifted CEI protection to a top priority for both the EU and NATO, prompting action from both international organizations to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, the October 2023 Balticconnector incident — damage to an underwater gas pipeline and communication cable between Finland and Estonia — revealed inefficiencies in the synergy between NATO and the EU regarding CEI protection. This raised the research question: is there any overlap between the two organizations in CEI protection, and if so, in which areas? Through an in-depth case study using the analytical tool of organizational overlap, it was found that there is significant overlap between the EU and NATO in their efforts to protect European CEI, particularly in the areas of division of labor and mandate. The study examined their strategies, discourse, methods, and intentions, concluding that coordination remains insufficient. Although steps have been taken to address the issue—such as the creation of the EU-NATO Task Force on CEI resilience and the “Coherent Resilience 2023 Baltic” tabletop exercise—progress in 2024 remains limited, leaving much to be desired from both organizations in this field.
Organizational Overlap, NATO, EU, Critical Energy Infrastructure
RESILIENCE BUILDING AGAINST CYBER INSECURITIES IN THE BALTICS
The Global Risk Report of the World Economic Forum has been defining cyber insecurity as one of the severe global risks since 2023. The Global Risk Report 2024 ranked cyber insecurity as the eight global risk by severity over a ten-years-period. The peaceful environment the cyberspace had provided for almost two decades ended with the release of the Morris Worm, the first harmful malware, in 1988. Since then cyber threats and cyberattacks have been posing serious dangers to national security. The cyber-attacks on Estonia in 2007 owing to the Bronze Soldier event are considered as an important milestone in cybersecurity studies. These were followed by the cyber-attacks on Georgia in 2008 and on Iran in 2010, which created a serious need for cyber policies, actions, strategies and norms at national and international level like the efforts of the UN, NATO and OECD to overcome the unwanted results of the cyber domain. This study will deal with the Baltic states’ cyber capabilities, cyber capacity building, security concerns and cybersecurity challenges from the perspective of small states’ security considering the latest developments in Eastern Europe since 2022, the fast advancements in information technology and artificial intelligence. The study will be a desk research focusing on the national strategies, policies and action plans of the Baltic states to fight with the insecurities of cyberspace by using case study analysis as a research method. This study aims to shed light on the vulnerabilities and resilience of the Baltic states facing with cyber insecurities. The scholarship will contribute into Baltic and cyber security studies.
Baltics, Cybersecurity, Cyber Insecurity, Small States
SECURITY MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE (NEXT GENERATION) INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM MODEL
The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of application of the appropriate model for security management in contemporary security emergencies. Given the complex nature of security situations and the involvement of multiple security actors i.e. institutions in their management, it is essential to deliver an effective outcome and minimize consequences and further escalation. In the direction of descriptive elaboration, the models of the incident command system and the incident command system of the next generation, which is the officially adopted crisis management mechanism in the Republic of North Macedonia, are briefly defined and presented. With their organizational hierarchy characteristicsfor human and material resources designation, they counterpoise a common platform for real-time data sharing and situational awareness. North Macedonia has adapted the NICS system which is used to coordinate the national all-hazards response within the context of civil-military cooperation in various security circumstances. The NICS is developed on the Incident Command System developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a standardized approach to multifaceted incidents for a coordinated response among different jurisdictions and entities. The initial hypothesis in this paper refers to the premise that in a contemporary environment, the implementation of the optimal security management model should include the dimension of communication in the form of information and data sharing, coordination of the execution of the decisions made, and a standardized approach to action. The independent variable in addition to the hypothesis is that the application of an appropriate management model aims to create a flexible response with unified action from multiple relevant institutions from different domains of social activities and should standardize and coordinate the efforts undertaken. The methodology applied for this research includes qualitative and quantitative data analysis from relevant primary and secondary sources extracted from field simulation and empirical examples, deductive argumentation, comparison method, retrospective review and forecasting conclusions.
security, management, command, coordination, model, ICS, NICS, RNM
THE POLICE AS THE PRIMARY GUARANTOR OF SECURITY IN THE STATE
Security can be understood as one of the most important, or primary, human needs, and it is closely related to other existential needs. Broadly interpreted, in modern society, it can be said that the security implies order in society, i.e. a condition in which neither the state nor its citizens are threatened by any danger. Achieving this condition requires adherence to applicable laws and regulations, which essentially implies the functioning of the rule of law. Since man became a conscious being, one of the key needs has been the need for a necessary level of security. Consequently, since the birth of the state, people began to create specific services (bodies) entrusted with important tasks of interest to the community (state) and all its members. The most visible state body tasked with the role of ensuring security is the police. Therefore, the police were created together with the state and since its inception, they have been a body of coercion in the hands of the ruling elite, with the goal of maintaining the concept of public order. Today, the level of security in society is shown statistically, i.e. through the ratio between the number of crimes and misdemeanours (negative security incidents) and the number of solved crimes and misdemeanours, i.e. it is reflected in the efficiency of state bodies responsible for prevention and repression of all negative security phenomena. The police are one of the most important state bodies for maintaining the necessary level of security. However, the responsibility for the state of security in the country cannot solely rest with the police. This responsibility must also extend to other state bodies, especially to those responsible for dealing with cases referred to them by the police.
police, police function, competence, assessment of the security situation, security, state
GLOBAL SECURITY ISSUES: TACKLING MIGRATION AND REFUGEE CRISES
Global security and migration are closely related to each other and mutually influence the situation in the world. Migration can be both a cause and a consequence of threats to global security. One of the main reasons for migration is instability and conflict in countries, which can lead to security threats both within and outside the country. Armed conflicts, terrorism, human rights violations, deteriorating economic situation and environmental disasters can force people to leave their homes and seek a better life in other countries. On the other hand, mass migration can cause tension in receiving countries, which can lead to social and economic problems, as well as security threats. Illegal and uncontrolled migration can contribute to crime, human trafficking and in some cases terrorist attacks. From an economic perspective, migration may potentially lead to significant negative effects such as increased unemployment among natives, increased shadow economy and may put upward pressure on housing costs. To ensure global security, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive approach to migration management that will consider the interests of all parties. This includes strengthening international cooperation, tackling the root causes of migration and ensuring sustainable development in source countries. Thus, the connection between global security and migration highlights the need for joint efforts by countries and international organizations to address the complex challenges posed by these phenomena.
Global Security, Migration, Economy, Terrorism
MIGRATION IMPLICATIONS OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Migrations, as a global contemporary phenomenon, take place as a result of various “push-pull factors”, and can have many political, social, cultural or security implications. However, we can state that it is mostly about voluntary migration, while on the other hand, wars as a “push factor” of migration mostly cause forced migration. The war in Ukraine triggered the largest migration movements in Europe after World War II, because according to UNHCR data, 4.8 million refugees from Ukraine were registered for temporary protection or similar programs in the European Union (EU). However, the question arises as to what types of migrations the war in Ukraine triggered, were actually only Ukrainians moving, or as a result of the war were movements of citizens of the Russian Federation recorded as well? The purpose of this paper is to look at the approach of the EU to the war in Ukraine from several different perspectives, the approach of the countries of the Western Balkans (WB), as well as the approach of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The paper will present the scope of the migration implications of the war in Ukraine on Bosnia and Herzegovina, through the presentation of data on the entry, movement, stay and international protection of citizens of Ukraine and citizens of the Russian Federation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special focus will be on the analysis of the reasons for these migrations, and the approach to solving their status will be considered.
war, Ukraine, Russian Federation, migrations, refugees, Bosnia and Herzegovina
GENERAL ACTIVITIES OF OPPOSING AND PROTECTING AGAINST SECURITY THREATS
Security, as one of the fundamental values of social functioning and a key subjective feeling of individuals within a society, is often the target of various attacks. The feeling of insecurity can lead to the internal erosion of society and constant demands to the relevant social control authorities to elevate security measures. However, overly conspicuous actions and clearly visible measures can also undermine the feeling of security, causing people to feel unsafe due to the omnipresence of high-tech cameras, notifications, and law enforcement presence. This may indicateto individuals that something is “not right.” The authors of this paper have presented specific preventive-repressive steps and measures in the field of protection against threats. The primary requirement of the security system is deterrence from attacks, which is the aim of preventive measures discussed in this paper. By integrating all forms and types of protection, the degree of threat is reduced, and the level of security is increased. Therefore, this paper presents elements of preventive reaction, with a projection of integrating all subjects in preventing and eliminating security threats in terms of maintaining everyday habitual activities. All the aforementioned is accompanied by a discussion with arguments for and against certain measures, potential encroachments on human rights, and the paper concludes with considerations and proposals for the most effective actions.
threats, security, measures, projects, protection
SECURITY IMPLICATIONS FROM RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM IN EUROPEAN UNION
This paper aim is an analyze how right-wing terrorism seeks to change the entire political, social and economic system to a right-wing extremist model. One cause for concern is the increasingly young age of suspects linked to violent online communities of varying degrees of organization. In this paper we draw attention that video games and video game communication applications were increasingly used in 2020 for spreading rightwing terrorist and extremist propaganda, in particular among young people. In 2020, transnational sources of inspiration, such as the Siege culture, popularized in the virtual world, were observed to gain more traction especially with extremists that were younger in age than previously typical on the extreme right at national level. COVID-19 was observed to accelerate the trend of spreading right-wing extremist propaganda online, rather than offline. Right-wing extremists exploited COVID-19 to support their narratives of accelerationism and conspiracy theories featuring anti-Semitic, anti-immigration and anti-Islamic rhetoric. Also, they seek to extend their influence to other circles or sectors of activity (e.g., sports hooligans). In general, the right-wing extremist scene can be described as very heterogeneous, with differing manifestations in terms of organization, political objectives and the preferred means of achieving these. The right-wing extremist spectrum is a mixture of prejudices, contemptuous and totalitarian ideologies that, each in their own way, had security implications.
right-wing terrorism, extremism, attacks, security
BALANCE OF POWER AFTER UKRAINE WAR - TRANSATLANTIC FUTURES: NATO 2030
The outcome of the conflict in Ukraine will bring fundamental political, military, economic, security and social consequences on global scale, comparable with previous historical events of Westphalian Peace, The Concert of Great Powers, Versailles system, YaltaPotsdam system and the end of the Cold War. The aim of this paper is to analyze possible scenarios of Ukraine war and possible global strategic consequences of this conflict, including development of transatlantic link of European security and development of NATO Alliance until 2030. The outcome of the Ukrainian conflict will clearly determine future of political and institutional capability of the West, including NATO and European Union. The same issue will apply for Russian Federation and future of non-West integration platforms, including BRICS, SCO and CSTO. Perspective of multi-polar global and regional security order over unipolar – the United States led global security order. Therefore, possibility of decreasing political, military, institutional and economic power of the United States, NATO and EU and possibility of further integration and development of BRICS, SCO, and CSTO is plausible. However, NATO Alliance has developed necessary strategies and taken necessary decisions in order to counter security challenges and threats stemming from China, Russian Federation and other global and regional actors. Madrid NATO Summit in June of 2022 has approved new NATO Strategic Concept (NSC) which will remain relevant until 2030. NSC outlines necessary decisions, capabilities and actions in order to safeguard territory of the Alliance via strengthening the Eastern flank of the Alliance, substantially increase number of NATO High Readiness Forces and organize other activities in order to facilitate political and military development of NATO. Agenda NATO 2030 is ambitious agenda which will also determine future of trans-Atlantic link and future of the Alliance. The Agenda set out for necessary steps and actions to ensure that NATO remains ready, strong and united for a new era of increased political, military and economic competition with China and Russian Federation, and other emerging regional powers. The Agenda 2030 reveals strategic proposals for NATO development- deeper political and military consultations among the NATO Allies, strengthened deterrence and defense, improved resilience, preservation of technological edge of NATO Alliance, uphold the Rules- based international order, maintenance of NATO Open Door Policy, boost training and capacity building, combat and adapt to climate change, investing in NATO financial capability and allocation of recourses for the defense budgets of member states of the Alliance.
Ukraine, War, Balance, Trans-Atlantic, NATO
THE EVOLUTION OF TERRORISM IN THE INTERNET SPACE AS A SECURITY CHALLENGE
Although a universally accepted definition of terrorism does not yet exist, almost all researchers of this phenomenon agree that it has existed since ancient times, evolves and very skillfully adapts to the new digital age. Terrorist organizations began to feel the benefits of the Internet as soon as it appeared, especially in fast communication, which, although at first it seemed not so secure, later with the help of the encrypted platforms developed by terrorist organizations, communication not only which has become much safer, but it has given even more courage to sympathizers to join the terrorist cause and make their contribution, whether they be the so-called “worker bees” (mujaheddin/mujaheddin - the diligent ones), or join the battlefields. This paper aims to highlight how terrorists use the benefits of the developed technology especially the internet. One of the things that emerges as a challenge is precisely the role that women play in recruitment and radicalization for terrorist organizations. Namely, a woman seems to go beyond the conservative treatment in the regions where terrorism is present. Thus, terrorism begins to use all possible resources available to it. Children also become a potential target for recruitment mostly in the internet space, but also in the gaming world. Like the uneven distribution of goods, the power struggle of the great powers, and at the end of the day, systemic inequality contributes to terrorism still being treated as one of the biggest security threats in the global world.
terrorism, internet, terrorist organizations, recruitment, radicalization
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MIGRATION, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON NORTH MACEDONIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
The question of how migration, environment and climate change interact has been a topic of increasing interest in North Macedonia. Estimates of the numbers of people who may be displaced by climate change-related phenomena by 2050 range from 50 million to 1 billion people, with the most cited number, 200 million, being based on projections by Norman Myers in 1995 and 2000 [1]. However, Myers himself has admitted to uncertainty in his estimate and that necessary extrapolations were made due to a lack of available data [1]. Additionally, the high-end estimate, of 1 billion people displaced by 2050, comes from a Christian Aid report [1]. It is acknowledged that climate change will not alone cause conflict, but it is also accepted that it has the potential to exacerbate or catalyze conflict in conjunction with other factors [1]. Examining the impact of migration, environment, and climate change on North Macedonia: a systematic review, the pathway is non-linear, and, in some cases, climate-induced conflict may in turn cause migration [1]. Current research indicates that climate migration will not necessarily increase the risk of conflict, however, linking climate migration to conflict is difficult since the relative importance of climate migration, among the many other drivers, must be determined [1]. All factors involved in the system, which are linking climate, migration and conflict are location dependent, and the relationship between climate change, migration and conflict depends on social, demographic, economic and political drivers [1]. Future research should focus on the local interplay of multiple drivers that influence whether the climate will increase the risk of conflict, and Neo Malthusian theory suggesting that as populations continue to increase, competition for resources will also increase, and could lead to conflict as the inequalities increase between those in control of resources and those who do not have access [1]. Even though the climate-migration-conflict pathway is viewed as linear and even deterministic in the media, scholars are increasingly cautious when discussing the pathway, and the potential impacts of climate variability and change on migration and conflict will remain an important area of research and policy planning.
migration, environment, climate change, North Macedonia
ANALYSIS OF SPECIFIC ANTHROPOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPARISON BETWEEN AND WITHIN CERTAIN POSITIONS IN A VIP CLOSE PROTECTION TEAM
The aim of this paper is to present the necessary anthropological features essential for the performance of general and specific jobs, as well as a comparison within and between certain positions in the team for the close protection of VIPs. The aim of the research is the analysis of specific anthropological characteristics, within certain positions and comparisons between certain positions. For the purposes of this work, an expert analysis was conducted in which twenty-four experts from the field of close protection from the region and Europe have participated, who in their career were members of VIP security services for at least 5 years and worked in all positions in the close protection team. The necessary anthropological characteristics were assessed by an expert analysis and a comparison was made between and within the team for close protection of VIPs working at a medium threat level in accordance with the model most often used in the region and Europe. The mentioned model includes a minimum of two vehicles during the security transport of VIPs by motor vehicles and an average number of agents. The results of this research, after analyzing of specific anthropological characteristics, indicate that there are statistically significant differences in the value of certain factors within certain positions in the team, as well as statistically significant differences in the value of certain factors between certain positions in the team. The results of this research are of crucial importance for the continued improvement of the training and formation of teams that work at an intermediate level of threat, considering the individualities and characteristics of the members of the mentioned team.
anthropological analysis, anthropological characteristics, comparisons between and within specific positions, close protection, VIP person
THE SUBJECTIVE FACTORS IMPACT ON CONFLICT DYNAMICS
Regardless of the level at which they occur, ie. from the lowest individual or local, up to the highest or global one, conflicts usually attract the most attention, when aggression and violence become a part of the conflict behavior. At the same time, in such situations the focus of all involved actors (direct and indirect) in the conflict is usually placed on the objective causes and aspects that have initiated the violence occurrence or escalation. It practically means that the importance of subjective aspects and factors for such conflict situations, is often put on the margins in conflict management approaches. Starting from the thesis that such aspects, above all: perceptions, stereotypes and the interpretation of past experience, also have a significant impact on the conflict constellation and structure, the paper analyzes their mutual relationship more specifically. Actually, behind the objective and visible values and assumptions about a concrete conflict, there are almost always in the background, other, deeper values and assumptions (perceptions, stereotypes, prejudices) that further complicate its nature and structure. Hence, the paper analyzes the essential characteristics of these aspects, especially through the prism of their impact on the conflict dynamics expansion and complication. The purpose of such an analysis is to advance the awareness about the meaning and impact of subjective aspects on the conflict, as well as the awareness about the need for apply a broader and multidisciplinary approaches in dealing with conflicts.
conflict, perceptions, stereotypes, past experience, resolution
GENDER PARTICIPATION – GENDER PROTECTION PENDULUM
International law safeguards our universal commons and international peace and security while protecting those the most vulnerable to human rights abuses, such as participants in existing migration towards the European Union. This article aims to shed light on the link between two international law fields: gender equality and the protection of victims of human trafficking among migrants who diverted their journey through the Western Balkan Route embracing Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2018. The research’s relevance is found in statistics from 2018 to 2022 and recent studies on the inadequate protection of migrants from human traffickers and smugglers along the Western Balkan Route. Thus, the article argues that the gender inequality in the law enforcement agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina hinders proper identification and protection of VHT in joint migrations of men, women and children, enabling their further trafficking towards the European Union. The methodological framework includes the desk analysis of the gender mainstreaming legal framework and goes over international and national regulations on combating human trafficking. Qualitative research on the main impediments to the identification of the victims of human trafficking includes responses from NGO practitioners mandated to protect migrants in the temporary reception centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the presence of the VHT among migrants. Research results present the flagship components of migrants’ negligence in reporting human trafficking; one of the principal reasons is their non-confidence in law enforcement agencies, which are seriously discriminated against women regarding participation and management position holding. The article demonstrates the intersectionality of international law focus areas in the gender participation-gender protection pendulum and urges for increased participation of women in the security sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina and enhanced protection of the victims of human trafficking through international law implementation.
gender, migration, human trafficking, Bosnia and Herzegovina
SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS ON THE BALKAN ROUTE WITH AN AMPHASIS ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Since 2015 the migrant crisis has affected on a global level regions and started off the worst refugee crisis since the establishment of European Union. While some countries were set to help and provide support to migrants and refugees, others turned to setting up fences, in order to stop illegal entries to their countries. Different approaches were in place depending on the state policy of the country, which majorly focused on strenghtening border control. Along with strictier border controls, the market of smuggling migrants arise and even COVID19 did not impacted the movement of migrants in a broader extent. The smuggling of migrants according to Global Initiative market assesment facilitated milllions of euros, only in 2020, while it differed a set of typology of smugglers. Smugglers use current migration, as well as political situation triggered with corruption, to make their ‘bussines’ flourish. This paper provides insights in how migration and organized crime are linked, in the sense of smuggling of migrants, and presents the market of smuggling in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Migration, Smuggling of migrants, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkan route, Smugglers typology
VULNERABILITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS: TACKLING SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST MIGRANTS AND ENHANCING SUPPORT TO VICTIMS
This paper seeks to improve understanding of the risks and types of sexual and gender-based violence faced by migrants, as well as ways of providing protection and assistance within the mixed migration context in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that over half of women and almost 1 in 3 men worldwide have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. Even though the prevalence of sexual violence is high, its exact scope is unknown due to its vast underreporting. Sexual violence against people on the move is widespread. Regardless of age and gender, this population is highly vulnerable to becoming victims of sexual and gender-based violence during their journey toward the desired destination. How the proper activities aimed to prevent and treat the consequences of sexual and gender-based violence in the humanitarian context are set up in Bosnia and Herzegovina and what kind of services are provided to victims will be discussed within the paper. How important the role of humanitarian workers is, their understanding of sexual and gender-based violence, and their readiness to provide adequate care, recognize the types of sexual violence, and use all the benefits of the existing referral pathway properly will also be broadly explored.
human rights, migration, sexual violence, gender-based violence, Bosnia and Herzegovina