თავდაცვა და მეცნიერება

Historical, Theoretical and Methodological Aspects of Conflicts

Tinatin Kropadze — 2023-12-25

The present paper deals with the scientific assessment of the origin, prevention and regulation of conflicts as one of the challenging problems in the world.

It is common knowledge that conflicts are the concomitant phenomena of human relations and are defined by both subjective and objective attitudes. The study of conflicts dates back to ancient times. In Western science, it is also considered a means of development. Considering these facts, we have discussed and analyzed the opinions of the English philosophers and sociologists along with the standpoints of various scholars like R. Park, L. Coser, G. Simmel, R. Dahrendorf, A. Adler, Z. Freud, etc.

The present paper discusses the nature, types, and management techniques of conflict as well as the key influencing factors to be taken into account when diagnosing the conflict.

In addition, the papers emphasizes the crucial importance of negotiations as the best means of communication and the contributing factor to conflict regulation, and draws a parallel between the two relationships - conflict regulation and conflict elimination (when talking about the ways of conflict resolution) that may lay the foundation for a new conflict in the future.

The paper provides examples of the development of violent conflict in a non-communicative, unstable, unjust, frightening and extremely negative emotional background that causes severe mental trauma and pain and is passed on to the next generation (For example, the Civil War in Georgia, Conflicts of Abkhazia and the so-called South Ossetia, Russo-Georgian War in August, 2008, etc.).

Within the framework of the paper, we considered it necessary to analyze peace as the opposite event of conflict and discussed the concept of “dynamic stability” based on the example of August War in Georgia. When approaching the issue of a conflict situation, we identified four types of attitudes: conflict management, resolution, transformation and complete elimination, where the specific conflict situation and environment must be taken into account (For example, the Kosovo conflict in 1999 that was an open conflict resulted in the death and displacement of lots of people). We have noted that such conflicts require both settlement and resolution.

Thus, scientific assessment of the conflict helps to identify optimal management options. Considering the situational analysis is an important factor for eliminating the local conflicts, so that it does not spiral into a conflict of systemic nature.

Regulation of oxygen balance in the process of synthesis of explosives

Merab Nadirashvili — 2023-12-25

The role of explosives in the modern world is immeasurable, both in wartime and in peacetime. Accordingly, the optimization of their main blasting characteristics is of great importance, such as, detonation speed, workability, brisance, etc. They include the quantitative ratio of the chemical elements that make up these substances and its influence on the energy and ecology of the explosion, which It is defined by ,,oxygen balance’’.

Generally, the elemental composition and ,,architecture’’ of the molecules of substances, i.e. chemical structure, are the main determining factors of their physico-chemical characteristics. The same reasoning applies to explosives: basically, these two factors are the determinants of the energy of the explosion.

The article is about the possibilities of approaching zero oxygen balance in the process of synthesis of explosives. Examples of well-known poly nitro aromatic compounds and transformation products synthesized by us from them – CT compounds are discussed, as well as formulas of compounds with zero oxygen balance unknown in the literature and the procedure for their composition. It can be said with convinction that the specificity of organic synthesis and a wide scope of operation allow purposeful creation of explosive substances with zero oxygen balance. The article proposes the possibility of creating two such real methodologies.

Healthy body is a guarantee of a healthy mind

Kaltamze Melkadze — 2023-12-25

School, family, and social environment play equally important role in establishing healthy lifestyle among young children. All the important skills should be developed from an early age. In order to achieve the third goal of sustainability “providing healthy lifestyle and well-being”, it is essential to have encouragement from the government as well as from society; total continuity of education; integration of modern scientific achievements in order to develop ecologically stable social patterns; coordination of teaching and upbringing; positive relationships between teachers and pupils.

A healthy lifestyle is a guarantee of increasing life expectancy and avoiding various diseases. Physical activities make positive influence on receptor and intellectual processes. Those students who are involved in physical activities at school, are characterized by high level of physical development. Their central neurological system functions adequately. Their bodies have high abilities of adaptation. A diet should also be taken into consideration. It should include more vitamins and minerals and less fat and sugar. In most cases young people aren’t aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A lot depends on school and family environment, parents and teachers. They should encourage young people to keep a daily routine, eat rationally, do sport relevant to their age to be healthy and capable of working.

Strengthening the EU’s defence cooperation

Natali Gvalia — 2023-12-25

In an expeditiously changing world, security challenges have become more intricate, multifaceted and complex. The 21st century is an epoch of strategic competition and multisided relations. The influence and rate of occurrence of hybrid security threats are constantly rising and deepening. World is in era of transition, characterized by creating new dynamics by emerging players along with significant shift of geopolitical and economic power, and currently, global attention is drawn to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is the consequent catalyst for the EU states, obligating them to take more responsibility and improve security and defence. Russia does not use force only to dominate on Ukraine, but this war aims to reverse and strike down western dominance - it is a big threat-economically, militarily, and politically. In an international competition, other powers are challenging the European countries’ ability to protect their interests and values that was the motivation for the idea of collective security building called "strategic sovereignty". For this reason, both defence and security fields are essentially important for the European Union. The EU leaders have long been trying to improve common defence policy - the European Union External Action Service in 2011, and later in 2016, the EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker called for a common defence fund, a “European headquarters.“ In March 2022, the EU council approved the Strategic Compass. The Compass gives the European Union an ambitious plan of action for strengthening the EU's security and defence policy by 2030 (EU, 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to invest in its own collective security framework in the face of Russian military moves on the bloc’s doorstep - "Europe needs to finally build its own collective security framework on our continent." We argue about the prospects of collective security and the fact that it may now be time for the EU member States to take the necessary decisions.

Effects of Psycho-Cultural Factors on Adopting Changes in Defense

Giorgi Dolidze — 2023-12-25

There is a constant need for the defense/military institutions to undergo continuous development in order to adjust to modern standards and requirements, often necessitating systemic changes. As part of this development, since the end of the Cold War, defense organizations in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries have endeavored to adopt advanced strategic management practices from their Western counterparts in terms of integration process into NATO and the EU.

However, these efforts have not always been successful. The attempt of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries to adopt changes within their defense organizations, particularly in strategic defense planning area through institutionalizing Planning, Programming and Budgeting System (PPBS) serves as such a case. Scholars often highlight factors altering this failure, focusing on the issues like centralized decision making, lack of understanding, resistance to change etc.

This paper analyzes other influencing factors, namely the importance of considering psycho-cultural factors while introducing changes within defense organizations and explains the main reasons for failure in successfully adopting PPBS. The study was conducted using qualitative methodology, primarily case study, to comprehensively analyze the topic.

Based on the findings, the authors conclude that in CEE countries psycho-cultural apsects significantly influence the implementation of changes in the defense sector in parallel with the factors mentioned above. In the case of CEE countries, these psycho-cultural factors are reinforced by the post-socialist legacy, which is characterized by a lack of creativity, collaboration, coordination, and consensus building, leading to reluctance and resistance to changes when it comes to adopting modern practices.

Overall, the findings validate the hypothesis proposed in the paper - disregarding psycho-cultural factors in the process of change implementation contribute to the failure.

The study also demonstrates the effectiveness of supporting the change implementation process through the utilization of Organizational Change Management (OCM) which is actively employed by Western organizations in the defense sector.

Europe’s Grand Strategy (The Common Security and Defence Policy)

Mamia Balakhadze — 2023-12-25

The paper explores the security challenges, national interests, and defense policy development of modern European countries, namely Great Britain, France, and Germany. Great Britain recently exited the European Union on February 1, 2020. Over the years, Britain has played an active role in the EU's security and defense policy. Therefore, we cannot overlook the significance of Great Britain, and while discussing it, we will first focus on the period before Brexit (until 2020) and then review the period after Brexit.

The aforementioned states are major players in shaping Europe's security architecture today. Working together and developing a common strategy is crucial for the security of the continent. The European security policy that was established after World War II is based on the theory of interdependence. I conducted the research using discourse analysis to examine the internal national security strategies of these states, as well as their relationships with one another and with international organizations such as NATO and the European Union.

The new EU energy security reality and its impact on the wider Black Sea region

Murtaz Gujejian — 2023-12-25

This brief in-depth research “The new EU energy security reality and its impact on the wider Black Sea region” on a security Studies was organized by David Aghmashenebeli National Defence Academy of Georgia, Germany. Its goal is to support the security of the Wider Black Sea Region energy supply chains. The purpose of this project is to answer to the main question: Will EU energy security impact the south-eastern flank of the Euro-Atlantic space.

Russia's war in Ukraine has created new problems that are not addressed by outdated security programs and old-fashioned traditional defence approaches. That the war in Ukraine is not the cause of a future conflict against the world order is not a new point of view, furthermore, the war in Ukraine is one of the results of the already existing conflict. It is a real possibility that the Kremlin will continue its aggressive foreign policy towards its neighbours and neighbours of neighbours in order to consolidate global power and "legitimacy".

The eternal war in the region exposed the EU’s economic weaknesses in energy exports and supply chains. Military professionals believe that whoever controls the east of the Euro-Atlantic space and/or dominates the Black Sea, can easily project power on the European continent, Central Europe, the Mediterranean, the North/South Caucasus and the Middle East.

Russia eternal war has shown us more dependence, weaponization, interference and more vulnerability of the EU Countries; Security is no longer based on the previously established rules. In the near future It’s unlikely that relations between the EU and Russia will be based on beneficial energy relations. The European Union is moving beyond the binary dependency that binds international actors, creating a new reality in which the inclusiveness of energy security extends to several different areas, diversification will be critical for the EU. Supply chains are complicated and messy, it’s implausible to make positive changes overnight.

Taking into account Russia sharp growth in military spending, its ability to integrate state resources and masses and it’s "great propensity for risk" makes Russia both a “capable and unpredictable actor”. Russia's blackmail to use nuclear weapons indicates that Kremlin is losing the war due to lack of ammunition and low technological capabilities and in the short term wants to take this war into a protracted or frozen conflict phase.

According to the analysis of the processes of the recent past, the stability of the region cannot be successful and effective only with the support of NATO member states on EU's eastern flank. NATO, EU and their partners should have an emergency and long-term assistance strategy for the parties. From the lesson learnt in the last 30+ years on international cooperation issues it is vital that in the next 10-30 years the Euro-Atlantic and regional countries (except Russia) in the region, must counter challenges with collective deterrence of cooperation. Actively promoting stability is possible through the existence of the theory of Russian deterrence. Stability should be achieved by promoting collective deterrence and integration of Russia; a strategy of emergency and long-term assistance not only for alliance members, but also for partners, plus collective deterrence equals fixing and integration of Russia.

Speeches and workshops used in editing this paper, Organized by the Research and Policy Analysis Department (RPA) project of Strategic Competition Seminar Series-FY23 SCSS of George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (GCMC) at Workshop I held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, 20-24 February 2023 entitled “Alternative Ukrainian Future Trajectories: Implications for Russia and the West” and Workshop II held in Berlin, Germany on 16 May 2023“ (A summary of FY23 SCSS#8 hybrid seminar entitled “What if? Russian Variables, Inflection Points and Game Changers?” at SCSS Workshop II) have been very supportive in the preparation of the paper.

For the EU and its partners in the region to support the most desirable outcomes and mitigate the worst considering all scenarios discussed in the paper includes following key take-aways:

1. Relationships and cooperation matter 2. Security guarantees matter

The Role of Leadership in Policy Towards domestic decisions and its influencing the formulation of foreign policy

Besik Jajanidze — 2023-12-25

In the process of governance, beliefs and values of civic and religious leaders are utterly significant. In the light of principles of political realism, the politics are commanded by objective laws, the roots of those can be traced to human nature, political behavior of human only depends on human nature. Behavour of human, as a specific political individual, defines his political actions, being a political actor.

The mission of the following article is to determine the impact of role and decisions of the specific leader on internal politics, as well as international relations context. The subject of research is to explain leader’s particular role in foreign affairs decision making and analysis of leaders’ traits affecting the formation of foreign policy, by theoretical approach of Neoclassical Realism and practical aspects.

During Researching specific facts of international relations by Neoclassical Realism theory, three levels of analysis are used, first level examining role of leader or leaders, second level explaining internal factors of foreign policy, third level determining systemic factors.

The aim of this research is, both conceptually and practically, on individual analysis level, to determine the impact of ideological views, values and personal decisions of state or spiritual leader, when dealing with deterioration of relations with strategic partners or crisis.

Individual, first level of analysis emphasizes on individual, governmental or non-governmental statesman, country leader, whose political values, political weight, behavior, belief, woes, personal decisions affect internal political environment during decision making process, ultimately defining foreign policy and impacts regional and global security context. Theoretical and practical interaction let us explain the degree of impact of individual psychological, ideological, cultural factors, how political actors perceive their and others’ capabilites and how those perceptions translate to foreign policy.

The research showed, that in today’s volatile international system, personal decisions of regional and global leaders bear significant role and this topic generally, is a vital challenge of security and economy sphere.

Turkey’s Role in South Caucasus

Nikoloz Esitashvili — 2023-12-25

This paper will study Turkey’s influence in South Caucasus. The study applies Barry Buzan and Ole Waever’s Regional Security Complex Theorem (RSCT) to understand Turkey’s politics in the region since the end of the Cold War. The author of this paper shares the belief with the coiners of the RSCT that it is necessary to combine systemic, regional, national, and domestic factors to provide the most accurate description and prediction of potential developments in international politics. Importantly, it is crucial to wisely combine the age-old tenets of Realist theory with important constructivist concepts to better explain security. In this regard RSCT, in the humble opinion of the author, is the most complete theorem in the field of international relations to analyze the behavior of any particular state and/or dynamics of global and regional interaction among states.

For the purposes of the research it is important to place Turkey correctly in the framework of Buzan and Waever’s theory and concepts - that is, classify Turkey correctly according to their taxonomy and fortunately, they help me with this. They have devoted important part of their work to insulator states such as Turkey. Turkey’s role as an insulator state is particularly interesting to me. To paint a comprehensive picture of the geopolitics in Caucasus the roles of the US, Russia and EU will be investigated from the perspective of RSCT. Again, the investigation will be detailed and hopefully, productive.

Theoretical Framework:

Following theories will be presented before the author suggests the goggles that should be fashioned for the purpose of this research:

"Political realism theory", whose main subject is the state;
The theory of "cooperative security" - Cohen's concept, which includes recognition of common threats by states and joint efforts on it;
Complex theory of regional security - RSCT, which is also related to the Copenhagen school.

Using Linear Regression in the Context of Military Power Enhancement

Ivan Okromtchedlishvili — 2023-12-25

The article explores the application of linear regression in the context of military power enhancement. Linear regression analysis is employed to identify the key factors that contribute to military strength, such as defense expenditure and military personnel levels. The study utilizes data from 31 NATO member and partner countries and employs open-source data for analysis. The research aims to determine the impact of various independent variables on the dependent variable, the Military Strength Ranking for 2022, and identify which variables can be adjusted to achieve greater military power. The study's hypotheses are tested to establish the significance of each variable. The results indicate that defense expenditure and military personnel are statistically significant factors influencing military power. A higher defense budget and greater military personnel correlate positively with a higher Military Strength Ranking. However, the study acknowledges the challenge of balancing defense spending with civilian priorities, known as the "guns versus butter" dilemma. The importance of efficiently allocating defense funds to maximize military capability is emphasized, as history has shown that mere financial resources do not guarantee security. The study recommends increasing the share of military personnel, reducing administrative costs and optimizing structural units, particularly in supply and administration areas and the civil office's structural units, to enhance military capability within existing defense budgets. Additionally, the role of reserve forces is highlighted as a valuable resource for augmenting combat capabilities. The article underscores the need to strike a proper balance between active and reserve components of military capability.

The Challenging Path of Georgia towards NATO Membership

Giorgi Iakobishvili — 2023-12-25

Georgia is a small nation situated in a region characterised by instability, where the occurrence of conflict escalation has become a frequent occurrence within the realm of regional politics. Ensuring stability in the South Caucasus region is a paramount concern for Georgia in terms of its security agenda. This commitment is clearly articulated in Georgia's National Security Concept (NSC), which was officially approved in 2011. Additionally, Georgia's Foreign Policy Strategy for the period 2019-2022 also underscores the importance of maintaining peace in the South Caucasus region. The level of public support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) affiliation in Georgia has been considerable, mirroring the widespread agreement among major political parties over the objective of attaining NATO membership. In 2018, a revision was made to the Georgian Constitution, including a paragraph that specifies the need for all governmental institutions to actively strive towards the objective of Georgia's prospective participation in NATO.[1] The admission to NATO has been widely regarded as the most reliable means to achieve a state of stability and prosperity, enabling the nation to fully capitalise on its capabilities and opportunities. This article is characterised by its descriptive approach and aims to examine the dynamics of the evolution of NATO-Georgia ties throughout the history.

Communications in a Nuclear Age

Lela Abdushelishvili — 2023-12-25

The Nuclear Age, sometimes called the Atomic Age or the Atomic Era, refers to the period of time following the first atomic bomb during the Second World War. This is a time period with major implications in the history of science as well as ethics, the military, and international relations. Communication is the vital link between nuclear facilities and the public. If people do not know and understand the facts on which optimal energy choice decisions should be based, they cannot make informed decisions on how their own objectives can be met. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to communicate efficiently and strategically.

Unveiling Quishing: The Dark Side of QR Codes in Cyber attacks

Avtandili Bichnigauri — 2023-12-25

In the ever-expanding realm of technological integration, the emergence of QR phishing, aptly termed "quishing," has become a potent threat to digital security. This article navigates the complexities of quishing, unveiling the clandestine techniques wielded by cyber perpetrators through QR codes. It scrutinizes the evolution of these deceptive maneuvers, explores the nuanced strategies employed, and advocates essential proactive measures crucial for fortifying defenses against this insidious facet of cyber assaults.

Drawing upon the ubiquitous presence of QR codes in our daily interactions, this article illuminates the shadowy underbelly of quishing, revealing the potential risks lurking behind these innocuous-looking symbols. By delving into the core mechanisms of quishing, this exploration aims to equip individuals and organizations with insights necessary to navigate the perilous terrain of cyber threats engendered by QR codes.

Continuously evolving cyber tactics demand a proactive stance. Hence, this exposition seeks to empower readers with an in-depth understanding of quishing, emphasizing the critical need for heightened vigilance, robust security measures, and comprehensive awareness to thwart the ever-looming specter of QR-based phishing exploits.