Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

The study focuses on an indicative analysis and critical evaluation of tools and methods used for fact-checking, which represent a key instrument in combating disinformation within the contemporary media environment. In the context of the spread of false or manipulative narratives, particularly through social media and online platforms, systematic fact-checking may be one of the tools for preserving information integrity and protecting the public from harmful content. The aim of the study is to formulate recommendations, based on a constructively critical mapping of the current situation, which can contribute to more effective management of the related agenda.

By exploiting the potential of social media, disinformation has become an important element of warfare. The region of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is particularly vulnerable to disinformation, primarily from Russia. One of the reasons for Russia’s activities in this region’s infosphere is that most CEE countries are members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In this context, Russian disinformation activities aimed at the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) are particularly interesting. The image of the 3SI created in the media is crucial, for it translates into how the public understands, perceives and recalls this format of cooperation. The article aims to reconstruct the image of the 3SI in cases of Russian disinformation identified by the European External Action Service within the EUvsDisinfo project. The article’s methodology is based on a qualitative content analysis of disinformation cases identified by EUvsDisinfo. The article identifies four main frames of disinformation targeting the 3SI, showing that Russian disinformation is focused on undermining the credibility and integrity of this cooperation, both among Initiative countries and between them and their international partners.

The internet creates a virtual space where individuals strive to capture their dreams, art, and culture. Within it, one can find the greatness and dignity of humanity, but also the baseness and wickedness that signify the decline of the spirit. The internet has drastically diminished the significance of space and distance in social interactions. It has enabled the crossing of temporal boundaries, provided anonymity in contacts, and facilitated access to previously inaccessible information, including open educational resources and sources of cultures different from one’s own. The language of digital media is a system of signs. Without understanding them, contemporary individuals become slaves, and their lives become meaningless and purposeless play. Illiteracy and low computer and media literacy can become sources of social and cultural manipulation on an unprecedented scale. Information networks connect not only universities, businesses, and people, but they have also become tools for playing out cultural, social, economic, political rivalries, as well as criminal and terrorist activities, and more recently, military actions. The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have their dramatic images in the real world, but also in cyberspace. This article fills a gap in this area by addressing the issues of misinformation, media manipulation, propaganda, and infodemics. It presents a classification of security threats to children, youth, and adults and describes selected initiatives undertaken in this regard by the European Union. The author draws upon humanistic and social thought, pointing out avenues for analysis and ways to counteract negative consequences.

Cybersecurity is an important issue for individuals, organizations, and governments in Algeria and around the world. Cyberattacks can have serious consequences, including financial loss, theft of sensitive information, damage to reputation, and disruption of essential services. To help protect against these types of threats, it is important for individuals and organizations to take steps to secure their systems and data. This can include using strong passwords, keeping software and security protocols up to date, and being cautious when interacting with unfamiliar websites or individuals online. Governments may also have policies and regulations in place to help protect against cyber threats and to respond to incidents when they do occur. Algeria is currently not among the countries that prioritize cyber security sufficiently.

The article reviews standards of state policies in terms of the national security of the European Union countries. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the theory and practice of providing national security in the EU countries. In addition to that, the article provides for a deep analysis of the major methodological approaches in regards to establishing national security in the EU. The authors make a systematic review of the development and implementation of the EU security doctrines. The aim of this research article is to analyze the development of the idea of developing a European defense policy to find an effective way of incorporating our state into European security structures. Also, the research question may be posed as discussion on the way the national security is guaranteed in the EU countries. The novelty of the study is in the way how the past, current and future national security setup is implemented in the EU countries and what may the ways of its development. Materials and methods used in studying this problem, researches and publications of such domestic and foreign researchers were used. At the same time, processes of global and European security need constant analysis and study. The results showed that the problem of the formation of the European security and defense system that emerged shortly after the end of the Second World War prompted European countries to work more closely together, particularly in the defense sector. After the Cold War and the emergence of new challenges for stability on the continent, the EU has embarked on a path towards greater consolidation and greater awareness of own defense and security interests. Conclusion of the article is that an analysis of the approaches to the national security in the EU convincingly demonstrates that the level of security depends on many factors. The successful provision of national security strategy and approach depends on the sustainability and strength of their national economies. Only a strong economy allows successfully defending national interests in growing global competition and world economic disparities. Therefore, a country shall not only develop a national security concept, relying on world experience, but, above all, to reform its domestic and foreign policies with a view to protecting all actors.