This article intends to make a comparison of the defining factors of identity as defined in two e... more This article intends to make a comparison of the defining factors of identity as defined in two exceptional narratives, "The Places in Between" by rory Stewart and "Danube" by Claudio Magris. In their respective works, both authors examine the complex notion of identity as defined by ethnicity, re-ligion/culture, politics/ideology and socioeconomics, albeit in very different surroundings. Stewart's narrative describes his trek across the harsh Afghan landscape in the middle of Winter, scant weeks after the overthrow of the Taliban, while Magris follows a group of four Italian friends (the author being one of them), who set out to trace the Danube from its source to the mouth in mid 1980s. Both authors' accounts confirm the transience of identity, which largely depends on the broader environment, the specific point in time in which the examination occurs, and the perspective of the examiner. In both cases, the authors' analyses provide profound insights into the regions through which they travel.
In the 21 st century, warfare has evolved into a challenge that many countries are ill prepared t... more In the 21 st century, warfare has evolved into a challenge that many countries are ill prepared to face. In contrast to the warfare of yesterday, victory is not defined by defeating an opposing military force, but rather defeating their ability to pursue political objectives by violent, often unconventional, means. Increasingly, these unconventional means are based on asymmetries between the two opposing forces. A plethora of definitions for the term 'asymmetric conflict' exist, but they can largely be summarized by a general idea that one side in a conflict, due to its own failings or its opponents' strength, is unable to achieve its political aims through conventional (i.e. symmetric) military means. Because of this, the weaker side uses new ideas, weapons and tactics in a manner that is not expected, exploiting surprise to undermine the relative strength(s) of their opponent (Lele, 2014). The character of contemporary asymmetric threats can be analyzed through a framework of several key characteristics, which will be described in this paper. Understanding this framework, particularly in light of the horizontal transfer of technology, tactics, organization structure and procedures between emerging asymmetric threats may contribute to better understanding of such threats.
This article's objective is to categorize potential jihadists in Europe and provide an overview o... more This article's objective is to categorize potential jihadists in Europe and provide an overview of contemporary methods for their recruitment. Taking into account the ubiquity of the Internet and social networking platforms, and the fact that younger generations are spending an ever increasing amount of time using contemporary communication technology, this article focuses on those recruitment methods that make use of social networking platforms and mobile applications for the spread of extremist propaganda, as well as for communication with potential adherents. An analysis of the age structure of individuals involved in the planning and carrying out of terrorist acts in Europe from November of 2015 to September of 2017 supports a hypothesis that contemporary recruitment methods are especially effective in targeting a younger demographic. In addition, this article negates the importance of traditional physical exposure to radical behavior, which serves to explain the increasing number of terrorist attacks in Europe conducted by radicalized citizens of Eu-ropean countries.
Cilj ovog teksta je u kratkim crtama naglasiti ključne zaključke na kojima se temelji ovaj suvre... more Cilj ovog teksta je u kratkim crtama naglasiti ključne zaključke na kojima se temelji ovaj suvremeni koncept hibridnog ratovanja, a potom i dati kratak pregled i ocjenu sigurnosne situacije na Zapadnom Balkanu s posebnim osvrtom na ruski hibridni utjecaj.
An analysis of the evolution of the Republic of Croatia's energy sector in the period leading up ... more An analysis of the evolution of the Republic of Croatia's energy sector in the period leading up to accession to the EU.
Membership in NATO and the EU were considered to be Croatia's main foreign policy objectives in t... more Membership in NATO and the EU were considered to be Croatia's main foreign policy objectives in the first decade of the 21st century. The realization of these objectives largely depended upon positive evaluation of Croatia's cooperation with the ICTY. This paper follows Croatia's thorny relations with the ICTY and documents their role as the central foreign policy issue in Croatia's EU accession process.
While the last 20 years of Croatian history may have taught many lessons regarding the establishm... more While the last 20 years of Croatian history may have taught many lessons regarding the establishment and affirmation of small states, they have hindered the development of knowledge in other areas. Upon accession to the European Union, the Republic of Croatia will find have to define new foreign policy objectives, adapt and develop the mechanisms to achieve them, while at the same time adjusting to the new playing field, both within and outside of the institutional framework of the EU. In these circumstances, the Republic of Croatia, should pursue a niche “Green” foreign policy that focuses on the protection of the environment and establishment of a low-carbon, energy efficient and ecologically sustainable economy, and thereby maximizes Croatia’s own security and economic development. Specifically, in the period from July 1st 2013 to 2020, Croatia’s foreign policy must focus on capability development, technology and knowledge transfer, and establishing the foundations of a “green” economy within the context of Europe’s “Europe 2020” development strategy, with a goal of applying these capabilities in the Western Balkans and emerging markets globally in the post 2020 period.
This article intends to make a comparison of the defining factors of identity as defined in two e... more This article intends to make a comparison of the defining factors of identity as defined in two exceptional narratives, "The Places in Between" by rory Stewart and "Danube" by Claudio Magris. In their respective works, both authors examine the complex notion of identity as defined by ethnicity, re-ligion/culture, politics/ideology and socioeconomics, albeit in very different surroundings. Stewart's narrative describes his trek across the harsh Afghan landscape in the middle of Winter, scant weeks after the overthrow of the Taliban, while Magris follows a group of four Italian friends (the author being one of them), who set out to trace the Danube from its source to the mouth in mid 1980s. Both authors' accounts confirm the transience of identity, which largely depends on the broader environment, the specific point in time in which the examination occurs, and the perspective of the examiner. In both cases, the authors' analyses provide profound insights into the regions through which they travel.
In the 21 st century, warfare has evolved into a challenge that many countries are ill prepared t... more In the 21 st century, warfare has evolved into a challenge that many countries are ill prepared to face. In contrast to the warfare of yesterday, victory is not defined by defeating an opposing military force, but rather defeating their ability to pursue political objectives by violent, often unconventional, means. Increasingly, these unconventional means are based on asymmetries between the two opposing forces. A plethora of definitions for the term 'asymmetric conflict' exist, but they can largely be summarized by a general idea that one side in a conflict, due to its own failings or its opponents' strength, is unable to achieve its political aims through conventional (i.e. symmetric) military means. Because of this, the weaker side uses new ideas, weapons and tactics in a manner that is not expected, exploiting surprise to undermine the relative strength(s) of their opponent (Lele, 2014). The character of contemporary asymmetric threats can be analyzed through a framework of several key characteristics, which will be described in this paper. Understanding this framework, particularly in light of the horizontal transfer of technology, tactics, organization structure and procedures between emerging asymmetric threats may contribute to better understanding of such threats.
This article's objective is to categorize potential jihadists in Europe and provide an overview o... more This article's objective is to categorize potential jihadists in Europe and provide an overview of contemporary methods for their recruitment. Taking into account the ubiquity of the Internet and social networking platforms, and the fact that younger generations are spending an ever increasing amount of time using contemporary communication technology, this article focuses on those recruitment methods that make use of social networking platforms and mobile applications for the spread of extremist propaganda, as well as for communication with potential adherents. An analysis of the age structure of individuals involved in the planning and carrying out of terrorist acts in Europe from November of 2015 to September of 2017 supports a hypothesis that contemporary recruitment methods are especially effective in targeting a younger demographic. In addition, this article negates the importance of traditional physical exposure to radical behavior, which serves to explain the increasing number of terrorist attacks in Europe conducted by radicalized citizens of Eu-ropean countries.
Cilj ovog teksta je u kratkim crtama naglasiti ključne zaključke na kojima se temelji ovaj suvre... more Cilj ovog teksta je u kratkim crtama naglasiti ključne zaključke na kojima se temelji ovaj suvremeni koncept hibridnog ratovanja, a potom i dati kratak pregled i ocjenu sigurnosne situacije na Zapadnom Balkanu s posebnim osvrtom na ruski hibridni utjecaj.
An analysis of the evolution of the Republic of Croatia's energy sector in the period leading up ... more An analysis of the evolution of the Republic of Croatia's energy sector in the period leading up to accession to the EU.
Membership in NATO and the EU were considered to be Croatia's main foreign policy objectives in t... more Membership in NATO and the EU were considered to be Croatia's main foreign policy objectives in the first decade of the 21st century. The realization of these objectives largely depended upon positive evaluation of Croatia's cooperation with the ICTY. This paper follows Croatia's thorny relations with the ICTY and documents their role as the central foreign policy issue in Croatia's EU accession process.
While the last 20 years of Croatian history may have taught many lessons regarding the establishm... more While the last 20 years of Croatian history may have taught many lessons regarding the establishment and affirmation of small states, they have hindered the development of knowledge in other areas. Upon accession to the European Union, the Republic of Croatia will find have to define new foreign policy objectives, adapt and develop the mechanisms to achieve them, while at the same time adjusting to the new playing field, both within and outside of the institutional framework of the EU. In these circumstances, the Republic of Croatia, should pursue a niche “Green” foreign policy that focuses on the protection of the environment and establishment of a low-carbon, energy efficient and ecologically sustainable economy, and thereby maximizes Croatia’s own security and economic development. Specifically, in the period from July 1st 2013 to 2020, Croatia’s foreign policy must focus on capability development, technology and knowledge transfer, and establishing the foundations of a “green” economy within the context of Europe’s “Europe 2020” development strategy, with a goal of applying these capabilities in the Western Balkans and emerging markets globally in the post 2020 period.
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Papers by Nikola Brzica