Contemporary terrorism as a security threat

Terrorism is one of the most frequently used words in the media and the most effective political words of today. However, although there is a lot of talk about terrorism in the media as well as in the professional and scientific literature, it seems that this term remains insufficiently explained. When asked why this is so, the answer lies in a number of reasons that are mainly characteristics of the modern world. Some of the reasons include the complexity of terrorism as a phenomenon and the multitude of its manifestations. Then, thre is the subjectivity in defining this term and the different political interests that lead to the duality of standards in its definition. Also, various aspects of the time in which we live (digitalization, faster flow of information, greater availability of weapons, etc.) contribute to making terrorism more dynamic and thus more intriguing for the public. Today, more than ever, in considering terrorism, we must take into account a number of factors, primarily criminological ones and then legal, political, sociological and military factors of the modern world. This leads us to the conclusion that modern terrorism and the view of it are significantly different from their earlier manifestations. Therefore, the authors present the characteristics of modern terrorism, starting from the theoretical definition of security challenges, risks and threats, through the definition and classification of terrorism to the problems in countering terrorism and the context of the time in which we live. If we take into account that the period after the attack on the World Trade Center is considered a period of modern terrorism, we will see that the emphasis is on Islamist terrorism. However, although most attention is paid to Islamist terrorist organizations, the trends of terrorism are now increasingly turning to European and Western countries. This tells us that we must not forget other forms, types and forms of terrorism. Right-wing extremist, terrorist organizations are a real threat, and the fight against terrorism is a difficult task that the global society of the 21st century has set to itself as the primary security problem. Therefore, the paper identifies key obstacles to a successful fight against terrorism. The paper places a special emphasis on the global monitoring of terrorist activities through the World Terrorism Index. Using these bases, some of the important characteristics of modern terrorism have been determined.

Possibilities for developing leadership competences through the system of military education: System openness

The paper presents comparative research on the representation of subjects within the study programs of three higher military educational institutions (Military Academy, University of Defense in Belgrade, University of Defense in Brno, Czech Republic, Royal Military School in Belgium), in order to strengthen their leadership competencies. The conducted comparative research was intended to contribute to predicting the future development of education of professional members of the armed forces, as part of the defense system in the field of leadership, especially because the comparison includes educational systems of countries with different social, economic, historical and social milieu. The aim of the paper in a broader sense was to try and decipher the dimensions of leadership of professional members of the defense system; in a narrower sense the aim was to determine the possibilities of developing leadership competencies through the system of military education provided through the study programs of the Military Universities in Serbia, Belgium and the Czech Republic. The main subject of this research is the leadership competencies of professional military personnel. We have defined the concept of leadership as one of the functions of management, which primarily refers to the influence of leaders on other employees, in order to achieve organizational and group goals. The notion of the necessary leadership competencies is defined as a function of knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform complex functions and roles of officers, which can be classified as systemic and interpersonal competencies. The problem of leadership in the defense system is complex due to the very nature and characteristics of the system itself. Precisely because of the significance of the topic, as well as the fact that this issue remains current and new, it is scientifically and professionally justified to dedicate attention to researching the problem of developing leadership competencies in the military educational system. Furthermore, given the fact that change has become a way of life inherent to every modern organization, the military ones included, new leadership competencies, necessary to perform complex functions and roles of defense system officers are required of the employees and therefore it is necessary to implement the concept of lifelong, permanent and continued education in order to meet the demands of the job set before professional military personnel.

The contribution of the teaching contents of primary and secondary education to the development of the security culture of young people

The paper considers teaching contents in comparative systems of primary and secondary education, which are important for the development of security culture of young people and based on the expanded security agenda and new educational needs in that context. Methodologically, the paper is based on a review of the existing literature and the analysis of certain strategic documents in the field of education and security. Special focus was placed on the practice in the Republic of Serbia and previous activities in this field. The initial aim was to gain insight into certain foreign experiences and experiences of the Republic of Serbia, regarding the representation of security contents in primary and secondary education, and - on the basis of this - to try to consider the development of security culture in the educational context. It was found that among the analyzed countries Poland, Slovenia and Russia have a special subject dedicated to security topics within their education systems and it is noticeable that there is such an effort in other countries, but for now, security contents are mostly implemented in the existing subjects. Regarding the Republic of Serbia, it is concluded, that the potential introduction of a special subject dedicated to security topics in secondary schools and the enrichment of existing subjects with the security content in primary schools, may result in the improvement of general security of the youth.

Organizational and managerial aspects of the logistical response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia

Successful management before, during, as well as in the period of recovery from the crisis, is extremely important for reducing the consequences. Like any other type of management, crisis management involves planning, organizing, assigning tasks (command), coordination and control. These activities must be carried out in accordance with regulations, competences and procedures, especially in amorphous, fragmented and large systems such as national logistics. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on the analysis of 63 current regulations and procedures related to the logistical aspect of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The considered documents represent the regulatory basis for the management of the security system and its logistics. The analysis of the existing regulations governing crisis management, and especially the planning process, led to conclusions that indicate a lack of clear division of responsibilities, integrated or coordinated planning, but also the possibility of effective or appropriate preparation and management of necessary resources, which does not contribute much to the system resistance. It was also noticed that modelling and simulations, as modern methods, are not a part of the forecasting process. The current economic situation influences Serbia's strategic orientation to increase reserves and stocks as the main source of supply in crisis situations. The existence of logistical resources and sufficient capacities also influences the choice of an adequate strategy, which was clearly shown in the Serbian case during the epidemic. The paper highlights the positive aspects and makes recommendations that could improve the organization and management of logistical support to crisis situations in Serbia, especially in terms of resilience, but also flexibility.

Differences in general physical abilities viewed in relation to entrance exam and the efficiency of studying

The system of selection for the admission to the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies in Belgrade (UCIPS) is designed as a multidimensional model in order to select the individuals of utmost quality. One of the segments is the assessment of the level of general physical abilities (GPA). The aim of this research was to determine the differences between the initial level of candidates' GPA in terms of the success achieved in the entrance exam as well as the success of the study process. General physical abilities of 618 male candidates were evaluated as part of the UCIPS enrolment process. The total sample of respondents was divided into sub-samples: candidates who were not enrolled (NE), candidates who were enrolled but not graduated (ENG) and those who were enrolled and graduated (EG). It was found that both groups of enrolled candidates (ENG and EG) had statistically significantly better GPA compared to NE. There were no statistically significant differences between the ENG and the EG. Considering the fact that the results of the GPA assessment tests, which hypothetically represent 20% of the possible total score, depend on a training process that involves persistence, continuity and commitment, it can be concluded that constant physical exercise could be one of the preconditions for success in the entrance exam to enrol UCIPS.

Digital age: A challenge for project managers in security organizations

The digital age has brought great challenges to organizations. New technologies, methodologies, and products require a competent project manager who is able to meet the requirements of the digital age. Thus, the aim of this paper is: an analysis of the relevant theoretical context, the necessary competencies of the project manager, consideration of his position and actions in the organizational framework, and especially in organizations dealing with security. Also, the paper deals with the analysis of the model DevSecOps that implements security within IT practices. The results of the presented research indicate the fact that the total number of jobs performed by the project manager shows global growth in quantitative and qualitative terms. Research on human resource development in the field of project management distinguishes innovators from traditionalists. Innovators, in the age of globalization, have given priority to security training, followed by market topics, data science, innovative ways of behaving, and collaborative leadership. A case study is presented, which considers the steps of building a new product in the field of IT with implemented activities that provide an adequate level of security.

The significance of the political dimension of armed rebellion on the example of Northern Ireland

At the beginning of the last century, after several unsuccessful armed uprisings against the central government, insurgents in Ireland realized that the fight with weapons was not enough and united in the political organization Sinn Fein (Irish: Sinn Fein - "We ourselves"), respecting the security grammar (Ejdus, 2017: 30), they managed to determine what was the danger they are fighting against, what was the reference object of security (what was endangered), who was the one who protected security (subject of security) and most importantly what were the means or measures to protect security. The subsequent mobilization of forces at the political level, the expansion and deepening of the conflict led to success, especially for the population in Northern Ireland who bore the brunt during the second thirty-year escalation of the conflict (armed insurgency) in the 20th century. The activities of Catholic rebels and Protestant loyalists in the second half of the twentieth century (from 1968 to 1998) confirmed the liberal view that political and economic order reduces tensions between social groups, but also the realistic view that the entire field of security is political, as well as Galula's statement that opposing an insurgency is eighty percent a political and only twenty percent a military struggle (Galula, 1966: 63). Rebel approach, motives, interests and goals, as well as the conditions (environment) were such that the repression and engagement of the army for the implementation of police tasks such are arrest, internment, maintenance of public order and peace (Alderson, 2009: 29), instead of contributing to solving conflict, in fact contributed to decades of instability. After this, the political segment of internal conflict gained importance because the military (hard) power, as a way of achieving goals (political results), did not have a decisive influence any more. The weapons that led to success at the strategic (state) level were the processes of political reconciliation, improvement of socio-economic conditions and diplomatic relations with the Republic of Ireland. At the tactical (local) level, these were investments in education, employment, housing and local government reform. So it can be concluded that the political dimension used to have and still has the biggest significance in this and similar conflicts.

Intelligence community of the People's Republic of China

In this paper, apart from reviewing the existing intelligence structure of the intelligence community of the People's Republic of China, the author critically analyzes its historical development through different epochs, and also the organization, strategic guidelines and scope of its work. The fact that intelligence and security activities in the observed country existed in 2000 BC is emphasized. Their role in the security system of the People's Republic of China, faced with modern security challenges and threats, both on the domestic and foreign policy level is pointed out. At the domestic level, the biggest security challenges are reflected in the separatist aspirations of national minorities, while at the foreign policy level, it is the international position of the People's Republic of China, as the most important challenger for the US global domination. The People's Republic of China is responding to these challenges by increasing its allocations for strengthening and modernizing the national security system, where, in addition to the armed forces, the intelligence and security services also play a major role. It is also pointed out that the study of the intelligence and security community of the People's Republic of China is important for the Republic of Serbia, because our geopolitical position is such that it "connects" the Silk Road Economic Belt and the port of Piraeus, as the most important European point of the Silk Road.

Results of an empirical study on the effectiveness of urgent measures in the Republic of Serbia

Contemporary legislation, not only criminal and criminal proceedings law, has entered a new stage, that is currently underway and that is reflected in significant reforms and new legislation, as well as seeking new solutions to increase efficiency in preventing and combating domestic violence. The Republic of Serbia embarked on this path by adopting the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, which should primarily intensify the preventive action of the competent state bodies in cases of domestic violence. The Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence started to be applied on June 1, 2017 and given the fact that it has been applied for the past three years, it is necessary to carry out an adequate analysis and to evaluate whether it has increased efficiency when it comes to combating domestic violence. In this regard, the subject of this paper is primarily the analysis of the practical application of urgent measures provided by the Law imposed by the police, the public prosecutor and the court. This research will cover a period of two years of applying of the law, i.e. the period from June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2019. During the research, the statistical method was used along with the methods of analysis, deduction, comparison and description. The paper will analyse: both the total and the individual number of urgent measures imposed by the police; territorial distribution of the imposed urgent measures on the territory of the Republic of Serbia; imposing of extended urgent measures by the court, and a significant aspect of this research will be dedicated to the issue of violations of the imposed urgent measures.

Prohibition of trafficking in human beings under the auspices of human rights

The following work is dedicated to the consideration of the prohibition of human trafficking from the aspect of human rights. The initial thesis is that human trafficking cannot be reduced only to the criminal law aspect, but that by standardizing this prohibition within the constitutions and international treaties in the field of human rights, this institute is positioned hierarchically at the highest level of the legal order. In the first part of the paper, the legal framework is examined, primarily international law and then constitutional law. The second part analyzes the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Serbia. The analysis of courts` decisions was used as a basis for the theoretical formulation of the most important aspects of the prohibition of trafficking in human beings as a category of human rights. Special emphasis was placed on the consideration of the positive obligations of the states undertaken by the ratification of international treaties in the field of human rights and the matter of the fight against human trafficking.