Complex Challenges & Resilience
Non-military security is a highly dynamic and ever-expanding component of the strategic environment. Our analyses cover various topics from hybrid influencing, terrorism, energy security, cyber, and new technologies. The ambition is to offer a society-wide approach and specific solutions for comprehensive resilience building.
Complex Challenges & Resilience Geopolitics Global Agenda Non-Military Security
What does Trump’s return to the White House mean for Africa?
Early next year, on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump, the incoming President of the United States, will be inaugurated into...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Promises versus Reality in the Sahel: The Ongoing Struggle of Military Governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the Fight Against Jihadists
Over the past four years, the Sahel has experienced a wave of military coups, with army officers seizing power and...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
A useful tool for authoritarians or a protector of rights? First international convention on cybercrime stirs controversy
After nearly three years of negotiations, the UN adopted a groundbreaking convention on cybercrime on August 8, 2024. While this...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Global Agenda Military Affairs Strategy & Defence Technology and Innovations
Colombian youth recruited by rebels via TikTok
In Colombia, where the differences between social classes are palpable, the vision of money and wealth is tempting. As a...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Geopolitics Military Affairs Strategy & Defence Technology and Innovations
The development of China’s nuclear ambitions
China’s recent demands for the United States to adopt a “no-first-use” policy and to stop protecting allies from nuclear threats...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Geopolitics Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Appeasement and Stabilitocracy: The EU–Serbia Lithium Deal
The EU and Serbia finalised a controversial lithium mining agreement essential for electric vehicle batteries. Amidst Serbia’s alignment with Russia...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Geopolitics Global Agenda Military Affairs Non-Military Security Strategic Thinking Strategy & Defence
Cybersecurity and the Defense Industry Should Become Priorities After NATO’s 2024 Summit
NATO’s 2024 summit is over; as always, it has brought forward multiple topics. Especially given the current turbulent geopolitical and...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Non-Military Security
Russian hackers have attacked several EU countries. Slovakia was also a victim
Russian hackers known as APT28 carried out a massive cyber-attack against multiple European countries with the aim of targeting political...
Complex Challenges & Resilience Non-Military Security
Charting a Way Out of the Disinformation Stalemate: Targeted Recommendations for Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland
The crises of recent years – be it the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, or the climate crisis and...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
With dragon on the neck: how (not) to face the growing Chinese competition in the car industry
The forthcoming decision to increase EU tariffs on selected Chinese electric vehicles is unlikely to systematically benefit the European car...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
The Georgian government delegitimises the protests with deceptive Facebook ads. The President vetoed the bill on “foreign agents”
In early April 2024, Georgian Dream, the ruling party in Georgia, pushed through a controversial law on “foreign agents” in...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Euro-elections exposed to populism and disinformation
Slovak voter turnout in the past (four) Euro-elections has always been the lowest among all member states. Current polls predict...
Non-Military Security
Nuclear as a green solution? International banks are still reluctant to invest in new projects
World leaders met for the first-ever nuclear summit in Brussels, Belgium, co-organised by the Belgian government and the International Atomic...
Non-Military Security
Concerns about disinformation and deepfake content are growing in Slovakia. Preparedness to fight these threats remains low
The most recent February edition of the CEDMO Trends survey, published on a monthly basis by the Central European Digital...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
TikTok Faces Imminent Shutdown in the USA Over National Security Concerns of Chinese Espionage
On Wednesday, March 13, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill targeting TikTok, a global social media phenomenon....
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Spain announces a plan to shut down its nuclear power plants. Will nuclear still see a renaissance in Europe?
One of the indirect consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 is renewed debate on the future...
Non-Military Security
Behind the Ballot: Unmasking Influence Narratives in Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland’s EP Races
With the June 2024 European Parliament (EP) elections approaching, several political figures and manipulative actors in the Czech Republic, Poland,...
Non-Military Security
China’s Narratives on Russia’s War on Ukraine in Central Europe
The war in Ukraine has placed China in a challenging position in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland regarding its...
Non-Military Security
Artificial intelligence as a security threat. It helps terrorists and extremists spread propaganda
The increase in the use of artificial intelligence in recent months has brought several risks associated with the new technology....
Non-Military Security
European Sanctions on Russia: Overview of Implemented Packages and Assessment of Their Effectiveness and Weaknesses
After the onset of Russian aggression in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) promptly chose to support Ukraine, not solely through...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Resilience or Rigidity? Putin’s Playbook for the 2024 Russian Election
Despite the ongoing war, on December 7, Russia’s Federation Council voted unanimously to hold a presidential election between March 15...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
The impact of the Israeli-Palestinian war on the global energy sector. Will countries become more reliant on clean energy?
The oil and gas market has not yet recovered from the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Iran is becoming a new cyber power. Its enhanced cyber capabilities are particularly felt by Israel
In recent weeks, Iran has carried out several highly sophisticated cyber operations, primarily targeting its regional adversaries. Among the primary...
Technology and Innovations
The US tightens sanctions on chip exports to China. They fear China is using them to develop artificial intelligence for military purposes
In October of this year, the US Department of Commerce announced a new package of sanctions that tightened restrictions on...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Hamas is supported by pro-Russian and Islamist hackers, Israel is aided by Indians
The recent terrorist attack by Hamas has ignited another round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In addition to ground battles, there...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Has the EU turned its back on Armenia due to the energy deal with Azerbaijan?
The long-standing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has come to an end, and it appears that the European Union has not been...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
The International Criminal Court begins addressing cyber war crimes. The first on the list might be Russia
Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, announced a groundbreaking development: the court...
Military Affairs Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
The number of operations by Chinese hackers against NATO countries has been increasing. Slovakia is one of the victims
Numerous Chinese hacking campaigns aimed at member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have been unveiled in recent...
Geopolitics Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Climate Change Effects: The Growing Risks of Conflict and Instability
The current threat of climate change and its impacts is being felt in many parts of the world and presents...
Non-Military Security
Nuclear resurgence in the EU?
Slovakia, France and Belgium have announced the construction of new nuclear units or extending the operation of their nuclear power...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Violence and drugs. Ecuador declares state of emergency after mayor’s murder and widespread prisoner revolt
On 24 July 2023, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency in several provinces of the South American...
Non-Military Security
Chinese espionage poses a major threat to British national security
On July 13, a report released by the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) revealed the extent of China’s spying...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Hacked satellites, attacks on Wagner’s websites or shutdown of emergency services. What does cyberwar in Ukraine look like?
For almost a year and a half now, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been accompanied by numerous cyber operations...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Netanyahu visits Beijing. Will this jeopardise the long-standing US-Israeli alliance?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on 27 June that he had been invited by the Chinese government to pay...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Algeria deepens its ties with Moscow. Is it a challenge for the European gas market?
On June 14, An Algerian delegation led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboun arrived in Russia following an invitation from Russian President...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Chinese spy base on Cuba indicates Havana’s deepening relations with U.S. rivals
The US claims China operates a spy base in Cuba to intercept US electronic communications. Beijing’s intelligence activity is believed...
Non-Military Security
Establishment of a gas company and construction of a new pipeline. Hungary and Serbia are deepening their cooperation to strengthen their countries’ energy security
Dušan Bajatović, head of the Serbian state gas supply company Srbijagas, and László Fritsch, director of the Hungarian energy company...
Non-Military Security
Major Pro-Kremlin Disinformation Narratives and Their Transmitters in Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia
The fall of the Soviet Union ended over 30 years ago, but the Kremlin to this day attempts to maintain...
Non-Military Security
Infodemic and Societal Resilience in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland
Although disinformation is hardly a new phenomenon, the internet has enabled the ultimate battle for hearts and minds, and social...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Because of its strategic location, it faces cyber-attacks. Why is China attacking the US island Guam?
The US is facing another large-scale cyber espionage conducted by China. This time, the target was the small Pacific island...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Syria’s return to the Arab League heralds international recognition of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad
President Bashar al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic flew to Saudi Arabia on May 19 to attend the Arab League...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
A tool for repression or a guarantee of safety? UN negotiates new convention to prevent cybercrime
A landmark convention on cybercrime is being prepared at the UN. This is a major step forward in ensuring justice...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
The Potential for Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in the Spreading of Misinformation
By asking ChatGPT “Can AI become a threat to humanity?”, ChatGPT responds, “AI has the potential to become a threat...
Global Agenda Technology and Innovations
9 European countries have signed the Ostend Declaration on the massive promotion of wind energy. What exactly does the declaration entail, and what will be its consequences?
The Ostend Declaration reinforces the ambitions of European countries, which have committed to massive wind power generation targets, with an...
Non-Military Security
Ukrainian grain in the EU: European farmers criticize the EU for helping Ukraine with agricultural exports
Eastern countries of the European Union have introduced a temporary ban on imports of agricultural products from Ukraine in an...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
The gradual decline of democracy in India: Musk’s Twitter helps the government censor its critics
At the request of the Indian government, Twitter recently blocked more than 100 accounts belonging to prominent politicians, activists and...
Non-Military Security
Governments grow cautious of TikTok. Should we be worried?
The third largest social media app TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has faced widespread criticism over concerns that...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
Netanyahu delays controversial judicial reform after mass protests
In response to the persistent and widespread demonstrations in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has paused his controversial judicial reform...
Non-Military Security
International arrest warrant for Putin: is justice for Ukraine one step closer or still miles away?
On 17 March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issued an official arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir...
Geopolitics Global Agenda Non-Military Security
From old foes to new partners? The implications of Iran-Saudi Arabia Rapprochement
On 10 March, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a ground-breaking agreement to normalize diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in both...
Military Affairs Technology and Innovations
Iran Capable of Producing Nuclear Weapon Within Months if Deemed Necessary
The recent detection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of uranium enrichment to nearly 84 per cent at an...
Non-Military Security
How Europe survived the winter (almost) without Russian gas and the formation of a new nuclear alliance
The countries of the European Union have successfully passed through a frightening winter for many politicians and citizens after the...
Military Affairs Non-Military Security
Report: StratCom for Supporting NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Slovakia
The NATO Multinational Battlegroup (NATO MN BG) has been present in Slovakia since April 2022 in response to the unprecedented...
Military Affairs Technology and Innovations
New package of US military aid to Ukraine and M2/M3 Bradley IFV
The US will supply M2/M3 Bradley heavy infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) to Ukraine. Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder, US...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
The beginning of the end of the Venezuelan opposition? Guaido’s interim government dissolved
On December 31, the Venezuelan opposition voted to end the interim government of President Juan Guaidó. Guaidó was considered the...
Military Affairs Technology and Innovations
The new US strategic bomber B-21 Raider unveiled
The US Air Force (USAF) and Northrop Grumman unveiled the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber on December 2 at...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
The US eased sanctions against Venezuela. The US company Chevron received permission to extract oil in the South American country
The US Treasury has issued a license to Chevron to expand its oil extraction in Venezuela. This license will be...
Non-Military Security
Communicating Defence in Slovakia and the Czech Republic: Mapping Actors and Narratives online
We would like to present to you the newest research study for the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence. This...
Non-Military Security
Russian security services aim to change the pro-Western orientation of Moldova
Moldova has been in a complicated situation for a long time. The small state lying between Romania and Ukraine has...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Historic agreement between Israel and Lebanon brings hope for the EU
Israel and Lebanon signed a historic US-brokered maritime border demarcation agreement in the Mediterranean Sea at the end of October....
Geopolitics Global Agenda Military Affairs Non-Military Security Strategic Thinking Technology and Innovations
Nord Stream pipelines could be damaged as a consequence of a sabotage
Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines were damaged by three explosions on Monday, September 26. Nord Stream...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
State of the EU report outlines the future of EU energy policy
In her State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid close attention to energy issues...
Non-Military Security
Mass protests are shaking the Iranian regime
Iran is swirling in a wave of anti-government protests which were sparked by the death of detainee Mahsi Amini, 22,...
Non-Military Security
Violence in Baghdad has brought Iraq dangerously close to a renewed civil war
It took only twenty-four hours for Iraqi cleric Muqtada Sadr, the winner of Iraq’s last parliamentary elections, to show his...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
FBI team investigates massive cyber-attack in Montenegro
In late August and early September of this year, the Montenegrin government and its services were victims of a large-scale...
Non-Military Security
Ukraine’s growing role in Europe’s energy security
So far, Kyiv’s significance to Europe has been primarily to transit oil and gas supplies from Russia, which Moscow is...
Military Affairs Non-Military Security
Is Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in danger of an accident? Moscow abuses control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to pressure Kyiv
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine came under the control of Russian troops less than a week after the...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Russia is looking for new ways to spread disinformation
After Russia invaded Ukraine last February, the European Union blocked Russia Today and Sputnik, Kremlin‘s two main channels that spread...
Geopolitics Non-Military Security
Tensions rise in Kosovo as the local Serbs protest. Implementation of the controversial law has been suspended
Tensions escalated between Serbia and Kosovo on Sunday, 31 July. Serbian demonstrators blocked roads and shot at Kosovo police officers....
Global Agenda Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Will Kazakhstan become the key to breaking the EU’s energy dependence on Russia?
Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev said in early July that the Central Asian country, rich in oil and gas, was keen to...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
Security flaw in Strava app has been utilised to spy on the Israeli military’s movements
Israeli researchers have revealed how some features of the popular Strava app designed to measure athletic activity via GPS allowed...
Non-Military Security
Iraq continues its role as a mediator in Iranian-Saudi talks
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khadimi met with Iranian officials during an official visit to Tehran on June 26. Sources close...
Non-Military Security Technology and Innovations
What happens if Russia stops gas supplies to the EU?
In response to the imposition of sanctions and the EU’s decision to accelerate the reduction of its dependence on Russian...
Global Agenda Non-Military Security
The global food crisis caused by Russia may lead to new waves of migration to the EU
The African Union (AU) states that have trade relations with the Russian Federation are concerned about the situation in Ukraine....
Military Affairs Technology and Innovations
Modernisation of the armies of the NATO’s Eastern Wing as a result of the war in Ukraine
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has, indirectly, led to a significant strengthening of NATO’s eastern wing defences. In addition to increasing...
Geopolitics Military Affairs Non-Military Security
Denmark joins the EU’s common defence policy 30 years after opting out
Denmark agreed to join the EU’s common security and defence policy in a referendum triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine....
Military Affairs Non-Military Security
Bringing CIMIC Back Home
In recent years CIMIC became almost a synonym for participation in missions abroad. Most of NATO and EU member countries...