Besenyő János | Óbuda University (original) (raw)

Papers by Besenyő János

Objective This study sought to compare terrorist attacks targeting healthcare in two different ge... more Objective This study sought to compare terrorist attacks targeting healthcare in two different geographical areas that are economically and culturally similar: North America and Europe. Methods The Global Terrorism Database is a database that documents 214,666 worldwide terrorist events from 1970 to 2021. It was searched to identify terrorist attacks against healthcare using keywords. We manually excluded incidents that did not specifically relate to attacks on healthcare. This resulted in 311 and 150 entries in North America and Europe respectively. Results The most common method of attack in Europe was bombing (42%) compared to attacks on infrastructure (66%) in North America. The primary target in North America was abortion related (84%). In Europe, the primary target was businesses (37%). In Europe, 18.7% of attacks were assassinations or attempts vs 3% in North America. The total number of fatalities in Europe is 51 vs 3 in North America. Conclusion Even though there were significantly more attacks in North America, there were far fewer total fatalities compared to Europe. Attacks in North America appear to be ideological, targeting infrastructure to send a message. Whereas, in Europe, the targets and methods used are more targeted towards the individual and their property.

Cogent Social Sciences, 2024

in the last decade, al-shabaab has carried out at least thirty terrorist attacks in Kenya, killin... more in the last decade, al-shabaab has carried out at least thirty terrorist attacks in Kenya, killing hundreds of people and causing damage to public and private infrastructure. the main objective of the research is to analyze the evolution of al-shabaab terrorist incidents in Kenya in the post-Westgate attack period with regards to the nature of attacks. it can be seen there has been a shift from hard to soft targets, since after 2013 the group's modus operandi has been characterized by attacks against health and education services and critical infrastructure in Kenya. By analyzing the changes that have taken place in the last 10 years in the security-political and economic-social landscapes as well as raising the questions why Kenya is targeted and in fact is attacked more frequently than other neighboring and troop contributing countries, this paper argues that even after the withdrawal of Kenyan troops from somalia, attacks on Kenya will not stop. the reason behind this is the abundance of strategic targets in the country, which can be used by al-shabaab for propaganda purposes. every terrorist organization needs the media to remain visible and the continuous flow of recruits to survive. therefore attacks on Kenya are meant to guarantee the survival of al-shabaab.

BORDER SECURITY IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS, 2024

This chapter first summarizes some definitions such as migration and illegal migration. Next, i... more This chapter first summarizes some definitions such as migration and illegal migration. Next,
it will try to provide an actual but general overview on illegal migration across the EU external
borders introducing the key developments and the main migration routes to the continent. Next,
it will provide information about the different regions of the Mediterranean route including
Eastern, central and especially the Western maritime routes.
The authors have tried to give a short summary regarding the reasons for illegal migration such
as Sub-Saharan migration to the North via Morocco and Algeria. They have brought together
some experiences with migration in Spain as an EU member state. Finally, they have made
conclusions focusing on possible solutions.

Since the 2011 incursion of Kenyan troops into Somalia, security has deteriorated significantly i... more Since the 2011 incursion of Kenyan troops into Somalia, security has deteriorated significantly in Kenya, exposing the vulnerability of the country’s soft targets on several occasions. The following study examines al-Shabaab’s attacks on critical infrastructure in Kenya with special emphasis on the communications, transportation, and energy sectors. As the northeast is most affected by terrorist activities, the chapter begins with a historical account of the area and then moves on to identify the sixteen critical infrastructure sectors. In the next sections, recent attacks on communication masts, buses, and aircrafts are analyzed, as well as potential attacks on oil pipelines are taken into consideration. The study argues that attacks against critical infrastructure have demonstrated that al-Shabaab is working toward causing a rift between locals living mainly in the northeast and the Kenyan government. Besides, due to the strategic importance and vulnerabilities of energy resources, it is crucial to protect oil pipelines in Kenya from potential al-Shabaab attacks. The chapter is concluded with putting forward recommendations to remedy the current situation.

Acts of terrorism and forms of counter-terrorism have been evolving for quite a long time. Althou... more Acts of terrorism and forms of counter-terrorism have been evolving for quite a long time. Although we have been living with these phenomena for centuries, they have only recently become part of the daily lives of many in the West since the dawn of the millennium. In some countries, they have become so prevalent that they shape the daily lives and habits of citizens. For these reasons, it is of utmost importance for all of us to understand the root causes, the drives and the motives behind terrorist activities, preferably even before they can materialize. In this challenge, counter-terrorism activities play a crucial role. In this book, contributors from various disciplines discuss terrorism and counter-terrorism on the African continent through case studies from Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, or Mozambique and the Sahel region. In addition to analysis, they offer possible steps for improving the situation.

The study examines the challenges terrorism poses to Somali Disaster Risk Management (DRM) system... more The study examines the challenges terrorism poses to Somali Disaster Risk Management (DRM) systems via a thorough analysis of reactions to al-Shabaab’s 2022 attack on Hormuud Telecom in Somalia. Besides interviews conducted with peacekeepers and NGO workers by the authors, the paper scrutinizes the tweets of the online community following al-Shabaab’s most recent attack on Hormuud Telecom. It is the largest telecommunications company in Somalia, which claimed that Kenyans were involved in the bombing and destruction of its telecommunication towers. With that a game of tit-for-tat began and every time damage was inflicted on a Hormuud Telecom mast, the company would retaliate by targeting a tower which belonged to Safaricom, the leading telecommunications provider in Kenya. While the Kenya Defense Forces, an armed government body, assisted in the destruction of the Somali masts, it appears the Kenyan communication towers were toppled by al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization allegedly financed by Hormuud Telecom. In case of disagreements, however, al-Shabaab seems to be turning against their own sponsor. It shows that the group is not to be trusted and collaborated with. Instead, the capacities of the Somali government must be strengthened so that it could manage and respond to terrorist threats. Not only international, but regional approaches are needed, bringing governments closer together and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and a better understanding of best practice in DRM.

Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies, 2014

Radical Islamic insurgency and violent extremism have claimed over 5,250 lives and forcibly ... more Radical Islamic insurgency and violent extremism have claimed over 5,250 lives and forcibly displaced at least 734,000 people in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique over the past six and a half years. Counter-insurgency efforts of the government to date have mainly focused on a military-and security-based response, paying less attention to the structural drivers of extremist violence, such as socio-economic inequalities, poor gov-ernance, historic ideological, ethnic and religious oppositions, and an incomplete peace-building and reconciliation process from the post-civil war period. The paper examines how Mozambique can learn from its past peace-building and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) experience, build on the achievements while also correct the shortcomings, which have equally contributed to the rise of violence. It also analyses ways to implement a tailored, inclusive, and effective strategy of Countering and Pre-venting Violent Extremism (C/PVE), building on the past but linking it to present needs and future challenges. Addressing long-standing root causes, focusing on youth and their communities, and furthering reconciliation are just a few areas, among others, to focus on to ensure that a heavy military response does not undermine the prospects of long-term peace.

Obrana a strategie, 2024

As a result of the "Arab Spring" and the transformation of the global world order, the MENA regio... more As a result of the "Arab Spring" and the transformation of the global world order, the MENA region, and the relations with North African countries therein, are on the rise both for the international and regional actors including Russia and China as well as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Iran and Turkey, respectively. Examining Turkey's expansive foreign policy, we can also get an idea of how Ankara wishes to increase its sphere of interest in the wider region, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region, by supporting a North African country. In recent years, Turkey has become one of the best-known and most important global exporters of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in the world military equipment market. Turkish drone development and warfare has introduced many innovative military operational concepts that have achieved great success in the conflicts of recent years. The study examines how 'new types' of technologies such as UAVs can shape regional power dynamics through the case study of the Libyan civil war and drone warfare.

This research is conducted on health facilities, their security staff and their relationship with... more This research is conducted on health facilities, their security staff and their relationship with terrorist attacks. The article is comprised of various chapters, to clarify the different kinds of aspects of terrorist activities regarding hospitals and their staff. The author begins by analysing the armed attacks on hospitals, then he goes on to examine the hospitals’ staff’s involvement in the terrorist acts, and finally, he concludes with the situation of the healthcare facilities. He goes on to examine the various dangers that the healthcare facilities are prone to on the continent, and he tries to do is outmost to describe the terrorist activities that threaten the countries at stake. He summarizes the article by giving his findings about how the threats should be eliminated at the institutions. He hopes to give some interesting insights into what relations are between terrorist acts and healthcare facilities.

Call for Paper, 2024

CALL FOR PAPERS The Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies Terrorism and Ch... more CALL FOR PAPERS
The Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies
Terrorism and Challenges of Counterterrorism and Counterintelligence in Africa
Terrorism has declined over the past few years compared to the beginning of the 21st century. Deaths from terrorism fell 38% from their peak in 2015.
The October 7, 2023, attack against Israel served as an awakening for the international community that the terror threat continues to be dire. These events should challenge the status-quo concept of measuring terrorism by the number of attacks and lead to broader criteria of indicators that include societal, political, military, economic, religious, demographic, and behavioral norms of state and non-state terror actors, both in dormant and active states.
International conflicts from sub-Saharan Africa to Tehran and the shores of Crimea play different and pivotal roles in the chameleon-like nature of terrorism and growing challenges to counterterrorism. Political turmoil provides fertile ground for state and non-state actors engaging in asymmetric warfare. Counterterrorism and counterintelligence play fundamental roles in countering the clandestine world of terrorism. This requires creative solutions to a familiar challenge. These developments raise the following questions:
• During the past few years, significant international interest has been in developing Africa on the economic and security fronts. Is there an optimistic projection for the future of economic and security stability in the continent?
• Could Qatari, Iranian, and Chinese presence play a role in developing or destabilizing the continent?”
• What counterterrorism and counterintelligence measures does Africa need to protect itself from a future of chaos and unrest?
• How can the international community assist their African counterparts to halt terror recruitment and attempts to exploit the continent’s challenges to radicalize African populations?
• How can Western allies assist their African counterparts in defending the continent from jihadist covert action under the guise of charitable organizations?

După revoluţia egipteană din 2011, ordinea publică a suferit efectiv un colaps în Peninsula Sinai... more După revoluţia egipteană din 2011, ordinea publică a suferit efectiv un colaps în Peninsula Sinai. Mulţii activişti jihadişti condamnaţi au fost eliberaţi din închisori. Noi organizaţii teroriste au fost formate prin cooperarea agenţilor jihadişti evadaţi (ex: Ansar al-Jihad din Peninsula Sinai şi Al-Qaeda din Peninsula Sinai, Reţeaua Muhammad Jamal sau Ajnad Misr). Aceste grupuri sunt similare prin aceea că sunt într-o relaţie mai puţin sau mai apropiată cu organizaţia globală al-Qaeda, că resping autoritatea guvernului Egiptean, pe care acestea îl consideră a fi corupt, prin lupta jihadului de înfăptuire a Statului Islamic şi prin aceea că ţintele lor sunt în principal personalul forţelor de securitate egipteane şi, de asemenea, conductele egipteano-istraeliene de transport al gazului. Mulţi dintre locuitori, care trăiesc sub nivelul de subzistenţă şi sub măsuri de natură discriminatoare, sunt receptivi la ideologia extremistă a acestora şi sunt pe punctul de a pune bazele propriu...

Media, War & Conflict, 2023

While certain areas of the Islamic State’s activities (propaganda, recruitment, etc.) are well re... more While certain areas of the Islamic State’s activities (propaganda, recruitment, etc.) are well researched, there have been few studies covering the efforts of the organization to neutralize deplatformization, even though its inclusion in a unified system makes it possible to successfully fight against the organization. The present study investigated the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) applied by the Islamic State to maintain its online presence against the deplatforming efforts of law enforcement agencies and social media stakeholders. A closely related topic, namely the key components of the organization’s successful internet activity, is also examined in this article. During the research, authors mapped and plotted one part of the Islamic State’s internet ecosystem to discover the pattern in this interconnected network. Furthermore, the authors elaborated on a volunteer computing based recommendation for paralysing Islamic State-linked websites.

Connections, 2023

The article examines the development and employment of the al-Shabaab secret service, Amniyat, in... more The article examines the development and employment of the al-Shabaab secret service, Amniyat, in its fight against African Union troops and security forces in Somalia. It first elaborates on the historical background of the terrorist group, which may serve as an introduction to understanding the roots of the organization and how its resurgence is tied to the effective management of Amniyat. The governance structure and intelligence activities of the terror group are also scrutinized. The study then analyzes the capacities and capabilities of the al-Shabaab intelligence apparatus, highlighting the elements that have contributed to its efficiency. In light of the growing importance of intelligence and counter-intelligence, the development of a secret service proved to be crucial for the survival of the terrorist group. Over the last decade, not only has al-Shabaab survived but also managed to thrive, presenting a number of obstacles to better-equipped multinational forces and the international community. Even if al-Shabaab were to be defeated, Amniyat could outlast its dissolution and may be “reborn” in various entities or merge into a criminal network.

Following the limited military intervention in Mali in 2013, the European Union decided to launch... more Following the limited military intervention in Mali in 2013, the European Union decided to launch a training mission tasked with the modernization of the Malian government army and the provision of military assistance. The essay’s main goal
is to provide a detailed analysis of the EU’s training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), beginning with the events leading up to the creation of the mission, then proceeding with the description of the mission and its execution so far. The article examines the
underlying causes that the mission strives to solve, as well as the situational challenges that the EU faces in Mali. It also provides insight into the role Hungary undertakes in EUTM Mali.

A magyar namíbiai rendőrművelet személyes aspektusból

Cogent Social Sciences, 2024

BORDER SECURITY IN CONTESTED ENVIRONMENTS, 2024

Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies, 2014

Obrana a strategie, 2024

Call for Paper, 2024

Media, War & Conflict, 2023

Connections, 2023

A magyar namíbiai rendőrművelet személyes aspektusból

A comprehensive history of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) from its inception in 2004 u... more A comprehensive history of the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) from its inception in 2004 until replacement in 2007 by UNAMID. In response to the ongoing civil war in Darfur that began in 2003, the African Union deployed a peacekeeping force to the region in 2004. Initially just 150-strong, this force would grow to some 7,000 by the following year. Peacekeeping in Darfur: The AMIS provides a comprehensive history of AMIS I, II and III, the context to the conflict in Darfur and the various participants. It further describes the support provided by the European Union and the eventual transition of AMIS into UNAMID (African Union - United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) in 2007. The author brings his personal experience of operations as part of AMIS and the role of the Hungarian Defence Forces to this book. Peacekeeping in Darfur: The AMIS is extensively illustrated by the author’s own photographs taken while participating in the mission and includes specially commissioned artworks.

The modern Westphalian international state system was based on the principles of national soverei... more The modern Westphalian international state system was based on the principles of national sovereignty and equality of states, and was a result of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Wars used to play a key role in shaping international relations and still have a decisive part in forming state capacities in the twenty-first century. However, some meaningful qualitative changes regarding the nature of armed conflicts pose critical challenges to the international system as they reshape the concept of sovereignty and responsibility. “New wars” theorists stress that such qualitative changes in wars also induce a fundamental shift from the earlier peacebuilding approach characterized with military and law enforcement priorities. Technological revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) have changed social interactions, and also have relevant implications for armed conflicts and peace operations. The United Nations (UN), which is still by far the largest actor in the field of peace operations, is to enhance its analytical as well as predictive capacities, and support the adoption of automated algorithmic systems to manage large-scale data and better react in conflict situations. UN Pulse Lab Kampala aims at embracing such mission targets when applying Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) toolkits for African languages, Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and text-mining algorithms for verbal radio broadcasts throughout Uganda.
Based on fieldwork experiences at Pulse Lab Kampala, and systematic literature review (SLR), this paper aims to review past results; present new approaches in the field of armed conflict resolution; and explore the role and activity of Pulse Lab in the application of artificial intelligence for the prevention and management of crises.

Political, social and climatic changes in the world are accelerating, resulting in man-made indus... more Political, social and climatic changes in the world are accelerating, resulting in man-made industrial disasters, wars, natural disasters, epidemic emergencies and population migrations. As societies are ageing in many countries around the world, there are more and more people in need of social, health and humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian aid in a natural disaster or war zone is not a harmless mission, not forgetting and underestimating the safety risks for those who carry out social tasks in the “peaceful and normal” daily life.
It is not harmless, because you have to be prepared and deal with the sometimes-challenging hazards of the field. When performing a task in such a high-risk area, the primary goal of the helper cannot be other than to stay alive, because only then will they be able to carry out their mission of helping others. This course (and training guide) will help you to do this by highlighting aspects of personal safety, their importance and interconnections. The overall aim is that by the end of the course, students will have developed a healthy safety mindset, which they will be able to use as individuals, team leaders or senior leaders when carrying out assistance tasks in the country or abroad.
For more in-depth preparation, we recommend reading the references and the recommended literature.

The sharp increase in terrorist activity in the Sahel after the Arab Spring led to serious destab... more The sharp increase in terrorist activity in the Sahel after the Arab Spring led to serious destabilization, as well as the emergence of new and re-actualization of old conflicts in the region. A number of terrorist groups have emerged and/or intensified their activities, including ones associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (AQIM, DNIM, ISGS, ISWAP, etc.). In a number of cases, full-scale Islamist insurgencies emerged and provoked increased external interference in the affairs of the region. In this introductory chapter, Besenyő et al. offer a preliminary description and analysis of terrorist activities and political contention in North Africa and the Sahel region in the recent years.

This study provides an analysis of al-Shabaab’s secret- and intelligence service, the Amniyat. It... more This study provides an analysis of al-Shabaab’s secret- and intelligence service, the Amniyat. It begins with the short history of the organization to explain the roots of the movement, and how its resurgence is connected to the efficient management of the Amniyat. Then it analyzes the capacities and capabilities of the group’s intelligence apparatus, highlighting the most vital elements that have made it more effective. Scrutinizing the security sector is of great importance, since analyzing the activities of the Amniyat may help us understand the conflict dynamics in the country. The article contends that al-Shabaab’s intelligence agency is one of the key instruments in enforcing leadership mandate and silencing dissent, especially responding to divergences. The infiltration of al-Shabaab operatives into Somali government institutions poses significant challenges to the country. Simultaneously the capabilities and capacities of the Amniyat, including information-gathering, counter-intelligence activities, liquidations and assassinations continue to disrupt government efforts. While coordinated counter-terrorism practices and rehabilitation programs for al-Shabaab defectors may contribute to weakening the organization, it must be emphasized that even if the group could be ultimately defeated, the Amniyat may survive its dissolution and could integrate into various entities or merge into an existing criminal network.

Mali, or officially the Republic of Mali, is a West African state, the second largest country in ... more Mali, or officially the Republic of Mali, is a West African state, the second largest country in the region; until 1960 it was a colony of France under the name French Sudan. Mali has a specific geopolitical and migration context, given its proximity to neighboring unstable areas in the region, its highly vulnerable environment to climate change and food insecurity, and its historical migration routes. Mali's population is particularly at risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse related to recruitment into armed groups. On the security front, unidentified armed groups are increasingly carrying out violent and deadly attacks on civilians, often taking advantage of existing inter- and intra-community conflicts. During 2022, various Islamist armed groups linked to the Islamic State of Greater Sahara (ISGS) and Al-Qaeda expanded their attacks in southwestern Mali and the capital, Bamako, killing hundreds of civilians. Relations between Mali and France have deteriorated. Mali expelled the French ambassador after France's foreign minister questioned the legitimacy of the transitional government. The deployment at the end of 2021 of the Russian Wagner Group, classified as a “military trainer” by the Malian government, and the subsequent accusation of atrocities against them and the Malian security forces provoked sharp condemnation among Mali's foreign partners. Chaos and uncertainty favor terrorist groups. Political instability and an unsettled domestic political situation are a safe haven for terrorist groups. To eradicate this, political and economic stability, as well as cooperation with key international actors would be necessary.

In the past decade, the North African states have become the site of activities for Al Qaeda in t... more In the past decade, the North African states have become the site of activities for Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), the Islamic State organization (IS), and another terrorist groups linked to them. Although the governments of the mentioned countries have made serious efforts to eliminate the activities of terrorist groups, they have achieved only limited results. Moreover, the terrorist groups have carried out several successful attacks against various targets, and thousands of their militants have fought in Syria, Iraq or Libya on the side of the Islamic State and other terrorist groups. It is becoming more and more apparent that it is not possible to eliminate terrorist groups only with military and law enforcement tools, since their supply is constantly ensured. Therefore, in the past period, not only the North African states, but also the international community, have put more and more emphasis on revealing the reasons that promote the violent radicalization of certain groups and individuals. Several studies have been published in this regard, the results of which are being used in the course of de-radicalization. For this, it is not only necessary to provide significant financial resources, but also to create stability and predictability in the respective countries. However, this was jeopardized in several ways due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict that broke out in February 2022. In my study, I examine how the Russian-Ukrainian conflict affects North African countries and how it contributes to the radicalization of the people there.

As the migration is an integral part of human history and it has been getting one of the greatest... more As the migration is an integral part of human history and it has been getting one of the greatest challenges of our present as well the chapter discusses the illegal migration to Europe, on Western Mediterranean especially from Sab-Saharan region. After defining the key terms, the chapter tries to gain conclusions and explore possible solutions for the future. Authors introduce the present situation all around the Mediterranean from East, Middle but especially focusing on the Western Mediterranean migration routes to Europe.

In June 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic reached a third wave in several African countries. Currently ... more In June 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic reached a third wave in several African countries. Currently (26 June 2021), ten of the 55 member states of the African Union are approaching or reaching the peak of the third wave. If we consider the statistics showing epidemic activity in these countries, we may have several questions to which it is difficult to give a scientifically correct answer.
In Tunisia, the third most affected country in Africa, the epidemic reached the end of the fourth wave, with a daily record of 57,769 new cases. However, as the third wave is generally occurring in the region, it is reasonable to assume that the rate at which tests are performed
affects reports on the epidemiological situation in African countries, making it difficult to control the epidemic.
Currently, Liberia is the 53rd or penultimate African country in terms of all coronavirus cases, and only 183rd among the countries in the world. While the peak in the first wave was 45 per day, in the second wave 97 per day, in the current third wave, the highest number of new cases per day was 161 on 20 June 2021. The statistical curve harmonising with the countries of the continent also highlights the lack of testing and/or data provision in Liberia for Tunisia.
Zambia (Africa’s 9th most infected country, peak: 3,594 new cases per day, 24 June 2021), Namibia (Africa’s 12th most infected country, peak: 2,602 new cases per day, 21 June 2021) and Rwanda (Africa’s 24th most infected country, 964 new cases per day, 23 June 2021, peak: 24 June 2021) reached the peak of the third wave in days. In South Africa (1) and Botswana (16), the third wave is now at its peak, with 21,980 new daily cases in South Africa and 2,356 new daily cases in Botswana.
From the statistics, it becomes clear that different processes are taking place in each country, presumably due to the measures taken by international organisations and government regulations and compliance, and the difficulty of dealing with parallel disasters in Africa.
In the present study, we provide a comprehensive picture of the coronavirus situation in Africa, obtained both historically (i.e. by reviewing the past year of the coronavirus epidemic) and by synchronously examining current results (strategies to address the coronavirus crisis),
but are chained by the possible faults of statistics.

The conflict in Western Sahara is one of the oldest ones of recent times, dating back to 1975, wh... more The conflict in Western Sahara is one of the oldest ones of recent times, dating back to 1975, when Morocco and Mauritania attacked and occupied the entire territory of former Spanish Sahara. However, the natives waged a guerrilla war against the occupying armies. Having the weaker army, Mauritania defeated and made peace with the Polisario Front – which represents the indigenous peoples – after a three-year conflict. The war between the Sahrawi guerrillas and the Moroccan Army has been raging for years with varying degrees of effectiveness, with significant personal and material losses for the opposing parties. After 25 years fighting, under international pressure, the opposing parties made peace, then in September 1991, the MINURSO peacekeeping operation to implement the referendum in Western Sahara began work. Although the opposing parties had previously agreed to a referendum to decide the fate of the area, it has yet to take place, and even today, contrary to its previous promises, Morocco is now only willing to grant a “high degree of autonomy” in the occupied Western Sahara. The Sahrawis refuse to accept this, thus the conflict has not ended to this day, and even in 2020, hostilities resumed between the opposing parties and a conflict of limited intensity has been going on ever since. MINURSO, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, has not been able to achieve the goal of holding a referendum for which it was set up, and as the only UN mission it cannot address the human rights situation in its area of operation, which also raises questions. The opposing parties have repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements in the past decades and restricted the activities and free movement of the mission and its personnel, which has put MINURSO in a “dormant” state. For years, the world’s leading politicians have stressed that while running the mission will cost a lot of money, at least thanks to the peacekeepers, the status quo stands and there is no war. This, however, has not been the case since 2020 and it is not known whether the opposing parties will be able to establish anything similar to the 1990 agreement, or whether the limited conflict will continue or even escalate, leading to a regional war between the opposing parties and Algeria supporting the Sahrawis.

The author of the book, János Besenyő, is a professor at the Óbuda University in Budapest, Hungary, who himself served as a peacekeeper in MINURSO presents the history of the area, the path leading to the creation of the mission, and its operation over the past three decades. In the creation of the book, he used several previously unpublished documents as well as several previously unpublished photographs taken by peacekeepers. This book is recommended not only to military, foreign policy and diplomatic experts, but also to anyone else interested in the history of the region, the events there, and the oldest peacekeeping operation in Africa.

This book offers the first comprehensive analysis of MINURSO (the United Nations Mission for the ... more This book offers the first comprehensive analysis of MINURSO (the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara), focused on its activities, composition, purpose, and operational future in Western Sahara, the world’s last colony. The book’s focus is broad, examining MINURSO from key historical, legal, military and political angles whilst assessing the future of UN peacekeeping missions in the Western Sahara. Supported by a diverse, international mix of perspectives and professions—including academics, lawyers, soldiers, and humanitarian aid workers—an in-depth view of MINURSO is provided, rooted in practical Western Saharan field experience. The authors reveal the complexities of the region and of the mission locally, but also analyze MINURSO through a global lens, focusing on relations with the United States, China, Russia, France, and African states. This approach emphasizes the importance of the region as a site of international struggle while remaining conscious of local contexts.

A landmark contribution to peacekeeping studies, the book is vital reading for practitioners and academics focused on the Western Saharan conflict and the MENA region, but will also be of interest to those engaged in international relations, international law, and security studies.

Tourism is one of the most dynamically developing areas of the world economy. Tourism has become ... more Tourism is one of the most dynamically developing areas of the world
economy. Tourism has become a target of terrorism. Terrorism and tourism are in a kind of symbiosis. In the eyes of terrorists, tourists, tourist events - Christmas fairs, festivals - represent a new opportunity. Due to the increase in the number of terrorist acts, it is necessary to review explosion protection systems.
Protection means action, active intervention. Any action that reduces
fear among the population and tourists is an effective defense against terrorism. Terrorism is a dynamic process - prevention cannot work in any other way. Diplomacy and intelligence also have a significant role to play in this. The integration of GIS intelligence, i.e. "human geography" and GIS technologies, are of key importance for counter-terrorism. In the fight against global terrorism, it is essential today to identify patterns of geographical and social contexts - cultures, travel habits. Today's terrorists are global people. Traveling, having connections around the world, information technology allows leaders of organizations from different parts of the world to take advantage of the opportunities
offered by the virtual world on a daily basis.

Ha a magyar olvasó Afrikáról hall, jobbára egzotikus dolgok jutnak róla eszébe – dzsungelek, szav... more Ha a magyar olvasó Afrikáról hall, jobbára egzotikus dolgok jutnak róla eszébe – dzsungelek, szavannák, oroszlánok, gazellák, zsiráfok és más, csak állatkertben megcsodálható állatok. A fekete kontinens politikai viszonyairól, az egyes államok berendezkedéséről, egymás közötti konfliktusairól, belső megosztottságáról már csak jóval általánosabb és felületesebb ismeretekkel rendelkezik.
Jó esetben tudja, hogy Afrika volt az emberiség bölcsője, hogy Észak-Afrikában, Egyiptomban jött létre az ókor egyik legfontosabb civilizációja. Tudja, hogy a 16-20. század között a nyugat- és dél-európai országok a kontinens szinte egészét gyarmatosították, s hogy milliószámra hurcolták el az ottani lakosságot főleg az amerikai területekre, hogy ott rabszolgaként dolgoztassák őket.
Tudja, hogy a gyarmattartó hatalmak aztán egymással is háborúztak újabb és újabb területekért, s hogy a 20. század második felére felbomlottak a gyarmatbirodalmak, s az afrikai népek megteremtették a maguk nemzeti vagy többnemzetiségű államát, amelyek némelyike aztán tovább osztódott. Tudja – mert negyven éven keresztül eléggé belesulykolták, – hogy Dél-Afrikai Köztársaság volt a faji megkülönböztetés egyik utolsó bástyája.
Időről-időre rémisztő hírek érkeznek ottani polgárháborúkról, népirtásokról, gazdasági problémákról és összeomlásról, az utóbbi időben pedig a magyar közvélemény jelentős része potenciális veszélyforrásként tekint a túlnépesedett és a klímaváltozástól sújtott kontinens által jelentett migrációs veszélyre.
De az átlag magyar olvasó leginkább Rejtő Jenő légiós regényeiből tud valamit Afrikáról, a Szaharáról, a francia gyarmatok színes világáról, a dzsungelek és sivatagok jelentette veszélyekről. De Afrika alapvetően távoli világ – jelentős magyar emigráció soha nem települt meg egyik államában sem, s néhány magyar felfedezőn, utazón, vadászon kívül kevés olyan hírességünk van, akit ottani tevékenysége révén ismerünk. S míg Amerikáról vagy Ázsiáról alapvetően van valaminő differenciált ismeretanyagunk (az átlag magyar nem téveszti össze Vietnamot Kínával vagy Indiát Japánnal), Afrika egy nagy, homályos konglomerátumnak látszik, amelynek földrajzával is viszonylag kevesen vannak tisztában.
Ezért is fontosak az olyan kötetek, mint Besenyő János munkája, aki több metszetben tárgyalja egy csak de iure létező afrikai állam, Nyugat-Szahara, hivatalos nevén a Szaharai Arab Demokratikus Köztársaság Magyarországhoz fűződő történeti és politikai kapcsolatait. A Szerző nem könnyű munkára vállalkozott, hiszen először is áttekintő képet kellett adnia a terület történelméről, földrajzi adottságairól, társadalmáról s magáról a nyugat-szaharai konfliktusról. A második fejezet az Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia gyarmatosító törekvéseinek keretén belül vizsgálja azt a kérdést, hogy a Monarchia végül is miért nem vette meg Spanyolországtól a 19. század végén a területet. A harmadik fejezetben a területen alkalmazott Spanyol Idegenlégió magyar tagjainak tevékenységét és sorsát tekinti át, majd pedig a levéltári forrásokból rekonstruált magyar-szaharávi kapcsolatok bemutatása után további két fejezetben a magyar rendőrök, illetve a magyar katonák szerepét mutatja be a nyugat-szaharai béketeremtésben és –fenntartásban.
A Szerző komoly könyvészeti, sajtó- és levéltári anyagot mozgósított, imponálóan tájékozott a nemzetközi szakirodalomban, s az utolsó fejezetben leírtakat saját személyes tapasztalatai is hitelesítik. Különös érdeklődésre tarthat számot annak a Szerző által készített kérdőíves kutatásnak az ismertetése, amely az ottani misszióban szolgáló magyar katonák tapasztalatait mérte fel.
Besenyő János kötetét jó szívvel ajánlom az Afrika története, illetve a magyar-külföldi kapcsolattörténet iránt érdeklődő olvasó figyelmébe.

Budapest, 2019. szeptember 21.

Prof. Dr. Hermann Róbert
a Magyar Történelmi Társulat elnöke

Nas missões da ONU de manutenção de paz em Angola, entre 1991 e 1999, prestaram serviço militares... more Nas missões da ONU de manutenção de paz em Angola, entre 1991 e 1999, prestaram serviço militares e polícias húngaros. Para além de testemunhos pessoais, o presente livro oferece um relance sobre a história de Angola e sobre a complexidade étnico-religiosa da sua sociedade e cultura, incluindo também os aspectos económicos e geopolíticos da actualidade neste país.
Os militares e policiais húngaros que chegaram a Angola cumpriram principalmente tarefas de verifi cação e de observação da paz, e fi zeram-no num contexto assaz puritano e muito diferente quando comparado com as condições húngaras, no que diz respeito ao clima e higiene. Para estes operacionais, o perigo maior, além dos provenientes do próprio exercício da sua atividade de manutenção de paz, foram as doenças contagiosas e tropicais, como a malária,
a varíola, a disenteria ou o tifo.
É muito provável que a maioria dos leitores nunca tenha ouvido falar sobre as diversas relações que uniram Angola e Hungria, países fi sicamente tão distantes.
A título de exemplo: Magyar László, chegado ao território da actual
Angola em 1848, como enviado do sultão de Kalabar, acaba por casar um ano depois com uma das fi lhas do rei do Bié. O diário que escreveu informa-nos detalhadamente sobre as suas viagens de exploração e, em reconhecimento do alto valor das suas observações, em 1858 este ‘descobridor’ húngaro foi eleito membro correspondente da Academia das Ciências Húngaras. Desafortunadamente, a maioria dos seus papéis perdeu-se num incêndio em Benguela, pelo que a sua obra persiste apenas de forma fragmentária.
Os autores do presente volume foram entrevistando e recolhendo as memórias ainda vivas dos observadores húngaros da ONU, cujas experiências pessoais em Angola – relatadas nas páginas seguintes – enriquecem os nossos conhecimentos. Ao informar-nos do quotidiano duma missão, os seus valiosos depoimentos tornam próximo e humano o mundo tão distante em que trabalharam.
Constitui um motivo de alegria especial este excelente livro – fruto da colaboração do Centro de Investigação Científi ca do Estado Maior do Exército Húngaro, da Embaixada de Angola e da Universidade ELTE de Budapeste – ser agora publicado em português, reforçando as relações de amizade que unem os dois povos. Sinto-me satisfeito e orgulhoso pelo empenho dos soldados húngaros, que souberam contribuir para o estabelecimento da estabilidade e da paz angolanas.
General Dr. Benkő Tibor
Chefe do Estado Maior do Exército Húngaro

A nem feltétlenül tudományos köröknek szánva – inkább a térség iránt érdeklődők számára – megírt ... more A nem feltétlenül tudományos köröknek szánva – inkább a térség iránt érdeklődők számára – megírt kötetben két – Észak-Afrika nyugati részén elhelyezkedő politikai-gazdasági territórium bemutatására vállalkoztak a szerzők. Az arab tavasz által talán kevéssé megérintett Marokkó belső és külső jellemzőinek, változó történelmi gazdasági términtáinak felvázolásán túl a nyugat-szaharai politikai tér fejlődése is külön hangsúlyt kapott. A két nagy egységből álló munka arra törekszik, hogy megfelelő regionális helyzetképet, útmutatást nyújtson az egymással különleges viszonyban álló entitásokról. A szerzők igyekeztek tartózkodni a direkt állásfoglalástól, mivel a két politikai teret a közös kulturális, történelmi kapcsolatokon túl sajátos módon kapcsolja össze az az összetett okokra visszavezethető konfliktus, amelynek megoldása jelen állás szerint nem tűnik túlzottan sikeresnek. Mindezek rövid összefoglalásával a kötet szerzői nagy hangsúlyt fektettek a biztonságpolitikai dilemmával kapcsolatos jelenségek bemutatására annak érdekében, hogy az Olvasókat pontosabb ismeretekkel vértezzék fel. Tették mindezt oly módon, hogy egyikőjük maga is tevékeny részese volt az 1991-től működő MINURSO-nak. A kötet kiadása abban a reményben történt, hogy alkalmazható ismereteket nyújtson a térség iránt érdeklődők számára.

A kötet hárma nézőpontból - a történet, az ideológia és a propaganda témaköreit vizsgálva - mutat... more A kötet hárma nézőpontból - a történet, az ideológia és a propaganda témaköreit vizsgálva - mutatja be a Közel-Kelet és a nagyvilág biztonságát ma leginkább fenyegető terrorszervezetet. A szerzők elsősorban azokat a területeket elemzik, ahol korábban ismeretlen, sosem alkalmazott módszerek, harci, finanszírozási és kommunikációs technikák jelentek meg.
A fegyverek és pokolgépek tárháza mára végérvényesen kiegészült a propaganda-gépezet hírközlési és informatikai eszközeivel. Ez a többszörösen összetett harc csak hasonlóképpen összetett válaszlépésekkel vívható és nyerhető meg egy olyan ellenséggel szemben, mely számára nincs áldozat, amti meg nem hozna "szent" célja érdekében. Az 'Iszlám Állam" szóvívője ezt mondta egyik beszédében: "Meghalni győzelem - ez az, amiben a titok rejlik! Olyan néppel harcoltok, amely sohasem győzhető le!"
A világpolitikai folyamatokat érdeklődéssel követő olvasók számára nélkülözhetetlen forrás ez a könyv. Európa és benne Magyarország nem engedheti meg magának, hogy üzenetét ne vegye komolyan.

(Hungary) invite papers for the 2023 International conference on Counter-Terrorism, Technology an... more (Hungary) invite papers for the 2023 International conference on Counter-Terrorism, Technology and Development in Africa "The changing dynamics of terrorism in Africa under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war" Proposals for papers are hereby invited from interested researchers, scholars, practitioners and policy-makers in the defence and security fields for the upcoming conference that will be held on 20

Proceedings international scientific conference strategies XXI the complex and dynamic nature of the security environment, November 27-28, 2018, 2018

The reality of the widening category of irregular warfare and the raising quantity of radical uni... more The reality of the widening category of irregular warfare and the raising
quantity of radical units all around the world arrived in an unprecedented pace in the 21st century’s security environment. The decisions on designating and labeling „terrorist groups” were always surrounded with terminological debates, diverse state interests, and different perception of security. Thereby handling and countering their attacks and secondary
destabilizing effects are hardly-cooperative among larger alliances. Of course, we might not exclude the good examples of international peacekeeping and countermeasures, such as it is happening in the case of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab or other specific organizations. But in
some cases, the methods of engagement, the continuously shaping security environment, shifts in ideology or other factors should influence the classification of a „terrorist group”, which might be questioned by individuals, ethnic groups, states or the international community itself.
This was the situation with the Polisario Front group as well, which in some cases was labeled as terrorist organization, while other papers mentioned it as a separatist group or an organized crime unit. However, in the eyes of the world, the Front still is the legitimate representative of
the Sahrawi’s people and a liberating organization responsible for its people. In this analysis, my main aim is to concentrate on these accusations against the Polisario Front, and its actual activity and connections with organized crime groups and highlight the facts, which exclude the Polisario Front from being a terrorist organization
Keywords: Polisario Front, terrorist group, organized crime group, liberation movement, legal representative of Sahrawis, International law, Morocco, Mauritania, SADR, AQIM.

Hadtudományi Társaság által szervezett konferencia 2015

Promoting Peace and Security in Africa – Finnish Department of Strategic and Defence Studies (200... more Promoting Peace and Security in Africa – Finnish Department of Strategic and Defence Studies (2006 – Series 2 No 35), pp. 41-59.

Zrínyi (Hungarian MoD,) HVK TKH & Europa Varietas Institute ABSTRACTS (A.T.) Türke, András ... more Zrínyi (Hungarian MoD,) HVK TKH & Europa Varietas Institute

ABSTRACTS (A.T.)

Türke, András István: Hungarian participation in the CSDP: the institutional and legal background

The relations between Hungary and the EU look back on more than four decades of history. There was a long way from the start of the accession talks in 1990 to full- fledged membership in 2004. Hungary was the third newly joined Member State after Slovenia and the Czech Republic in the office of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1st January 2011. Created when the Treaty of Lisbon was signed in 2009, the CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) replaces and enlarges the former European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The aim of the policy is the establishment of a common European defence capability. But there is not even consensus about which tasks or types of operations the EU can undertake. Most Member States have already opted for putting their forces in the national and NATO operations or coalitions of the willing. Legally, the EU’s Petersberg Tasks include operations at a wide spectrum of the violence intensity, including combat operations, yet politically the Member States are still extremely divided over the use of force under the EU flag.
Keywords: Lisbon Treaty, NATO, SEDE, AFET, AWEU
(...)

Türke, András István: The Partnership between EU and Africa

Two grand frameworks govern EU (and former EEC) relations with African countries. The most long-standing one is the one established with the ACP countries, enshrined in the 1975 Lomé Convention and updated in 2000 by the Cotonou Agreement. More recently, a continental approach gained ground with the adoption of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy by 80 African and European Heads of States in 2007. The Africa-EU Partnership, set out in the Strategy, embodies a new forward-looking vision for relations between Europe and Africa as one single continent, and sets out the overarching political framework defining relations between both sides. Going beyond development, it seeks to establish a partnership among equals, determined to tackle issues of common concern together.
Keywords: ACP, Lomé, Cotonou, EURORECAMP, FAA

(...)

Az olvasó bizonyos szempontból szokatlan tankönyvet, oktatási anyagot vehet kezébe, ha elolvassa ... more Az olvasó bizonyos szempontból szokatlan tankönyvet, oktatási anyagot vehet kezébe, ha elolvassa oktatónk, Dr. habil Besenyő János által írt és az Óbudai Egyetem Biztonságtudományi Doktori Iskolája által kiadott „Magyar katonai és rendőri műveletek az afrikai kontinensen 1989-2019” című könyvet. A témaválasztás először szokatlannak tűnhet, hiszen az egyetem biztonságtudományi doktori iskolájában főként műszaki témákkal, azon belül is főleg katonai műszaki témákkal foglalkozunk, de mivel egyre több hallgató – nem csak a doktori iskolában, de az alap és a mester képzésben is - folytat biztonságpolitikai stúdiumokat vagy végez ilyen irányú kutatásokat, az egyetem vezetése fontosnak tartja, hogy ilyen témájú oktatási anyaghoz is hozzáférjenek a hallgatóink.
A másik érdekes dolog a jegyzettel kapcsolatosan, hogy az két nyelven – magyarul és angolul – jelent meg. Ez nem valamiféle kivagyiság miatt alakult így, hanem azért, mert az egyetemünkre járó hallgatók legnagyobb számban az angol nyelvet sajátították el, mint idegen nyelvet, így a jegyzet nem csak hasznos ismereteket biztosít számukra, hanem az angol nyelv gyakorlására is alkalmas. Ezenfelül egyre több külföldi hallgató vesz részt teljes idejű angol nyelvű képzésen az Óbudai Egyetemen, mind az alapképzésben, mind a mester képzésben és a doktori képzésben is. Így mind a két csoport számára hasznos lehet ez az oktatási anyag. A tankönyv a Biztonságtudományi Doktori Iskola szabadon választható, a „Magyar katonai és rendőri műveletek az afrikai kontinensen” című tantárgyához készült. Ebben az Iskola oktatója, Dr. habil Besenyő János feldolgozta és ismerteti az 1989 és 2019 között az
afrikai országokban magyar részvétellel lezajlott békefenntartó és béketámogató műveleteket.
Az oktató személye maga is egyfajta garancia arra, hogy tartalmas és szakmailag megalapozott anyag kerül a hallgatók kezében, hisz Besenyő János hivatásos katonaként maga is több afrikai valamint afganisztáni műveletben teljesített szolgálatot. Az elmúlt években az oktatás mellett részt vett a Magyar Honvédség tudományos életében, létrehozta és vezette a Honvéd Vezérkar Tudományos Kutatóhelyét. Magyarországon szinte egyedüliként kutatja a magyar katonák és rendőrök afrikai békefenntartói tevékenységét. Az elmúlt években nem csak a hazai és külföldi levéltárakban kutatott a témával kapcsolatosan, de több mint száz korábbi békefenntartóval készített interjút, amelyekből egy válogatott interjúkötetet – Magyar békefenntartók Afrikában – jelentetett meg 2013-ban. Ez a tankönyv ezekre a kutatási eredményekre épül, amelyen keresztül a hallgatók nem csak a magyar részvétellel zajló ENSZ, AU, NATO és EU műveletekkel ismerkedhetnek meg, de betekintést nyerhetnek adott időszakon belül a magyar kül és biztonságpolitikai aktorok afrikai tevékenységébe is. Ez már azért is fontos, mivel napjainkban az afrikai kontinens szerepe ismét felértékelődött a fejlett nyugati világ (Amerikai Egyesült Államok, NATO, EU) és a feltörekvő új nagyhatalmak (Kína, Oroszország, India, Törökország) számára is. Az a két szövetség (EU, NATO) pedig amelyekhez hazánk a rendszerváltást követően csatlakozott, egyre aktívabb szerepet vállalnak az afrikai béketámogató műveletekben, amelyekből ezért mi sem maradhatunk ki. Ezekben a műveletekben pedig nagy segítséget jelenthet a már korábban megszerzett afrikai tapasztalat, de az sem elhanyagolható, hogy ezeken a műveleteken keresztül más – diplomáciai, gazdasági – kapcsolatok kiépítésére is lehetőség adódott/adódik, amit a magyar politikai, gazdasági és katonai vezetőség igyekszik kihasználni.
A könyv először röviden bemutatja Magyarország Afrikai politikáját a rendszerváltástól kezdve a mai napig, valamint az ehhez kapcsolódó békefenntartási tevékenységünket. Ez 1989-2000 között inkább az ENSZ keretein belül történt, majd 2004-től kezdve a hangsúly eltolódott és inkább az EU műveletek kerültek előtérbe. Később pedig már az Afrikai Unió és a NATO műveleteiben is szerepet vállaltak a magyar katonák, rendőrök. Az 1989-2019 közötti időszakban 22 afrikai műveletben több mint 400 katona és rendőr vett részt, akik komoly tapasztalatot gyűjtöttek össze, amely nem csak a fegyveres és rendvédelmi testületek, de a gazdasági, diplomáciai és tudományos szervezetek számára is rendkívül hasznosak lehetnek. A műveletek bemutatása mellett a szerző foglalkozott a békeműveletekbe való kikerülés kritériumaival is. Az is nagyon fontos, hogy a szerző nem csak a pozitív eredményeket, de a missziók kihívásait és a „bukásainkat” is bemutatta, mind ezt olyan módon, hogy teljes képet kaphassanak a könyvet elolvasók az afrikai magyar békeműveletek tényleges helyzetéről. Ezért javaslom mindazoknak a hallgatóknak, akiket érdekel az afrikai biztonságpolitika, az ENSZ és más nemzetközi szervezetek tevékenysége a fekete kontinensen, a különböző békeműveletek és azoknak kiemelten a magyar vonatkozásai.
Professzor Dr. Rajnai Zoltán
Dékán, a Biztonságtudományi Doktori Iskola vezetőhelyettese

International Peacekeeping, 2024

When we turn on the television or start browsing the net, we will soon or later come across news ... more When we turn on the television or start browsing the net, we will soon or later come across news from the African continent and information closely related to events in Africa. If we look at issues such as migration, energy dependency, conflicts, the climate crisis, and so on – which are increasingly influencing public discourse, we can see that they are linked to Africa in several ways. Understanding them requires knowledge of the history of African countries and the people who live there, but we often do not have enough information about them. Few know that the Cold War of 1945–1990 and its events in Africa still have a significant impact on the fate of the world. Nevertheless, we have almost no relevant information about these events in several areas. Although Africa has been “rediscovered” on the European continent over the last decade and more and more gap-filling publications have appeared on a wide variety of issues, we can still find unknown or lesser-known areas. These include the structure and operation of intelligence organizations in the African states, the results they achieve, and how they shape the life of a country and influence its future. Interestingly, thousands of different publications have been published about the secret services of the U.S. or European countries, while we find little relevant information about African intelligence agencies.
Historian Ryan Shaffer filled this gap with a group of academics and former intelligence practitioners. African Intelligence Services: Early Post-colonial and Contemporary Challenges is unique as no such volume has been written or researched in such detail.

Terrorism and Political Violence, 2021

Revista Digital de Historia Militar, 2020

In the last period there are more and more researches connected to the events of the 19th and 20t... more In the last period there are more and more researches connected to the events of the 19th and 20th century military history processed by military historians including the book of José E. Alverez which focuses on the activities of the Legion during the first six months of the Spanish Civil War. The author is a particularly good acquaintance of the less researched Spanish Legion subject, he has been researching and publishing books and articles on the organization's activities for many years. The author's work is also important because materials about the Legion and its activities are in the most access in Spanish-language, and only in a very limited extent is in English. I experienced it by myself as I was searching for the activities of the Legion in Western Sahara and for the Hungarians serving in the Legion.

Anatomy of Post-Communist European Defense Institutions. The Mirage of Military Modernity, by Tho... more Anatomy of Post-Communist European Defense Institutions. The Mirage
of Military Modernity, by Thomas-Durell Young

Strategic Impact, 2018

LikeWar – The Weaponization of Social Media touches an ever-interesting topic that has been conti... more LikeWar – The Weaponization of Social Media touches an ever-interesting topic that has been continuously examined from various aspects in order to appreciate its contribution to freedom of speech, to understand its mechanisms and strength, the book being reviewed this time setting the scope of the examination of the threats and the destruction that can be caused by the different players of the world of social media.