Fulltext search in archive
Results 631 to 660 of 6646:
NATO and Russia at the End of First Decade of 21st Century: Mistrust, Common Interests, Co-operation?Informational pagesPhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 89-99 Relations between NATO and the Russian Federation are one of key factors influencing overall policy of the whole North Atlantic Alliance. They are complicated and sophisticated questions still predisposed by the heritage of the Cold War.But there are mutual fears, common security problems they both have to counter. NATO policy must be established upon present-day reality. It is self-evident that there are common fields of common interests in which mutual balance must be reached. There are among others: armament, preventing arms proliferation, halting proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical agents, antimissiles defence, counter-terrorism, drugs smuggling, open sea security, common peace operations. After two years the Russian-Georgia war started, military cooperation between Russia and NATO was re-established. Separate problem in midterm prospects presents the solving of conflict in Afghanistan. |
Food Terrorism and AgroterrorismMilitary professionalIng. Hana Vlachová, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2011, Vol. XX. (LII.): 160-168 People commonly imagine terrorist attack as hijacking or improvised explosive device hidden in crowded place. However terrorists can also attack against food, cattle, farm crops or water resources. These kinds of attacks can be ranked among agroterrorism or food terrorism, whereas agroterrorists attack against cattle, farm crops or water resources; food terrorists attack against foodstuffs. This paper is intended to provide information about agroterrorism and food terrorism as possible forms of wilful violence. Food security became discussed issue especially after anthrax incidents in 2001. There are many authorities that deal with these issues, for example EU, NATO or World Health Organization. |
Tactical CommunicationsMilitary professionalPodplukovník Ing. Lubomír StřídaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2011, Vol. XX. (LII.): 164-169 Communications in which information of any kind, especially orders and decisions, are conveyed from one command, person, or place to another, are basic feature of all civilian organizations, namely as far as managerial work is concerned. In military, they are used within the armed forces, usually by means of electronic equipment, including communications security equipment, organic to the tactical forces. They are implemented in integrated surrounding NEC (Network Enabled Capability) by means of widening and updating field communication system of the AČR. NEC together with other key operational capacities will enable to change information power into higher operational effectivity and strength of Czech armed forces. |
Water Purification Done by Special Logistics Troops of Bundeswehr in AfghanistanMilitary professionalIng. Vladislav Vincenec, Ph.D., doc. Ing. Miroslav Cempírek, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2011, Vol. XX. (LII.): 119-127 The paper offers data on the water supply to Federal German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) combat units in the frame of ISAF operations. It explains new concept and technology of water purification and the exploration of natural water sources for BW water filling stations. Experiences have shown that clean water is of top priority especially in field missions such as that in Afghanistan. The systems of WTC 500, WTC 1600, WTC HS (High Salinity) and WTC container systems are able to prepare up to 15.000 litres of water supply every day. They are highly mobile, of friendly use, capable to work under rough climatic conditions. Built-in recycle systems could save as much as 60 per cent of operating costs. The water prepared by German purification stations is of high quality and meet both norms STANAG 2136 and WHO standards |
War GameMilitary artIng. Jaroslav KulíšekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 60-82 War game is a simulation of military operations intended to train military commanders or to test a proposed strategy. It is a game in which model soldiers are used to create battles, in order to study tactics. This article illustrates the importance of War Game COAs (course of action). It was tested against opposing force COAs. Such exercise will help to identify advantages and disadvantages and the key elements of execution planning for each COA. The lesson learned during OHQ CZE/SVK BG EU Staff Exercises that took place in Olomouc from January 19th, to January 23rd, and from February 16th, to February 20th, 2009 is that war-gaming (although time consuming) is something closer to "reality" than the "theory" in doctrines. The war-gaming practices teamwork, facilitates team-building and enables to share mental model COA. Commanders and their staff ought to be engaged in simulations and war games more frequently. All information and sources for this paper were drawn from unclassified materials. |
Operational Areas and BG EUMilitary artIng. Jaroslav KulíšekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 19-36 Africa has became synonymous with conflict, increasingly violent and protracted. The continent is facing huge difficulties today and the EU is more and more involved in peace enforcement and expeditionary operations. Therefore the purpose of this article is to inform and pass knowledge of operational environment to those Czech soldiers designated to deploy overseas and abroad. It covers topics such as operational areas, understanding EU Battle Group operational Environment and Africa's operational environment. It is necessary for Czech soldiers to understand African operational environment very quickly and profoundly to avoid unfortunate misunderstanding of the local culture, customs, believes, religions, regional official and customary laws. It is a new challenge for the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic to be prepared for the CZE/SVK Battle Group. All information and data for this paper were drawn from unclassified sources. |
Battle GroupMilitary artPplk. Ing. Jaroslav KulíšekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 52-69 This article presents the findings of the survey being done during the evaluation and assessment of EU Battle Groups, their missions, roles, tasks, stemming from the requirements set by the EU Crisis Management Concept. The paper does not discuss in detail variants EU Battle Groups, but concentrates on their historical background, basic characteristics, structure, EU political-military ambitions, scenarios, reaction time, tasks, standards, training and certification, Battle Groups commitments, concept and implementation, achievements. The article also includes recommendations for the Czech Armed Forces that are currently involved in the formation of the EU Battle Group CZE/SVK. This article aims to record progress to date and to indicate challenges ahead. All information and data for this paper were drawn from unclassified sources. |
Full Professionalization has becoming a problem (A Book by B. Pernica "Professionalization ofArmed Forces")Book reviewPhDr. Antonín Rašek.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 229-232 The professionalization of modern forces is an upcoming trend in all advanced democratic countries. It is demanded by complexity of current armed fight, advanced sophisticated weapons systems, antipathy of young people to serve in forces; established selective service was not solution, as it was more or less tied with bribery. In our country, compulsory military service was abolished after 135 years of its existence, in 2005. Mr. Pernica, the author of a book "Professionalization of Armed Forces: Trends, Theory, Experience", published by Czech Military Agency of Information and Services, treats military service as a sort of public enterprise in market of labour force. He introduces two models of armed forces: conscript service and volunteer service. At the end of this review Mr. Rašek points out that under the condition prevailing security risks and wide-spread interventionist policy, there is a possibility that we shall have to return to conscription system. |
Planning, Programming and Budgeting System: from Talking to the Facts!Opinions, controversyMjr. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 41-47 This article is a sequel to the previous disputes over financial management within the Czech Armed Forces. The origins of the first polemic article lay in gaining facts for research work, arranged by the Faculty of Economics and Management, Defence University, "Allocation and Management of Defence Sources of the CR and the Formation of Economic Thinking in the ACR". The system of planning, programming and budgeting (PPBS) was introduced into Czech forces several years ago, but the it did not worked in a way it was supposed. There were many deficiencies the PPB system suffered from. Unfortunately, the author lacks sufficient data to evaluate properly the performance of this system. He has to combine diverse data sources, booklets, statistics, data releases, to make accurate picture of a day-to-day financial military administration. In his opinion, the system is not transparent enough. He appeals for clear figures, released e.g. on army interned pages, to avert accusation of wasting public sources ...168 |
The History of Military Territorial Administrative Authorities in the Czech RepublicMilitary professionalPplk. Ing. Bohuslav VlčekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 196-199 At first, in 1918, the new Czech Republic took over Military Territorial Authorities from the former Austro-Hungarian empire. In 1920 the net of 48 regional Are We Able to Govern at Strategical Level? by PhDr. Antonín Rašek. This is the question asked by the book "Strategical Governance and the Czech Republic", published by the Centre of Social and Economic Strategies, Social Science Faculty, Charles University Prague, in which also the Centre for Security Policy participates. The opening sentence says that humankind is not able to control itself. The team of authors guide us through individual items dealing with world's political and economy situations, plans for economy growth, security and defence concepts, forming supranational security structures and finally towards depressing destiny of adopted strategy concepts and plans. If Czech leadership has any deficiency, then it is a lack of strategical dimension, concludes the reviewer. |
Long Time Planning-its Analytical SupportNonreviewed - OtherPplk. gšt. Ing. Josef Procházka, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 32-44 The planning is a general term with many meanings, all of which imply an ability to scheme or arrange beforehand. In practice, planning is a highly formalized and disciplined activity through which we can induce changes, procedures for a decision-making unit, including the establishment of goals. Planning in the forces therefore involves two levels: i. operational planning (intentions and goals of forces, feedback information for setting up operational capabilities); ii. defence planning (development of armed forces, military potential). Long-term planning for 10-15 years or more ahead covers strategic analysis, strategic goals, implementation of strategic goals that are mutually connected, depended on each other, and implemented in particular surroundings which also influences the whole process. This article is based on papers presented at workshops held at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Defence University Brno and is accompanied by several schemes drawn among others from the Handbook on Long Term Defence Planning, published by NATO Research and Technology Organization, 2003. |
Some Aspects of the Development of Intelligence Branches inside Strategic Military Intelligence ServiceMilitary artPlk. gšt. Ing. Libor Kutěj, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 51-58 Military Intelligence plays important part in national defence, indicating particular kinds of potential threats to the Republic or Allied partners. Its effectiveness mainly consists in evaluating the security situation continuously and in exchanging of intelligence information between our services and the Allies, with the aim to detect any potential threats and to eliminate a possibility of surprise in time. According to Act No. 153/1994, concerning the intelligence services, its activities are strictly limited by law. It gains information from open sources (OSINT), by means of signal intelligence (SIGINT), human intelligence (HUMINT), and by using intelligence equipment and tools (IMINT, imagery intelligence). The author proposes to establish central organizational unit, in order to organize, assess, and evaluate individual intelligence branches, their intelligence support to individual target addressees. It should be allowed to reallocate both material and financial sources in form of proposals, reflecting developments of individual intelligence branches. |
Location of Antiballistic Base as a Strategic ChoiceOpinions, controversyPhDr. Antonín RašekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 48-54 Antiballistic defence systems could be defined as a secondary defensive response to ballistic threats, against existing, projected or planned ballistic military hardware. In a way, it is a sort of deterrence weapon, because such defence discourages opponents form the development of offensive missiles. The author of this article, the former deputy defence minister, Maj-Gen. (ret), specifies three relevant antimissiles system: ALTBM-NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence; NATO MD-NATO Missile Defence; and USA MD-USA Missile Defence. The purpose of American antiballistic defence is to counterbalance potential strokes by limited numbers of ballistic missiles, blasted off from both enemy and rogue states and those launched by accident. Allegedly, the Iranians are developing ballistic missiles with the range of 4,000 km. With the reference to the fact that the distance Prague-Teheran is about 3,400 km, and such missiles could constitute an eminent danger even for the Czech Republic, not only for the continental United States, this issue is widely discussed in Czech mass media. |
Presence and Future of the Czech Security ResarchNonreviewed - ResearchIng. Jarmil Valášek, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 12-18 Security situation has been changing all over the world, so has in regional territories. It is necessary for us to create systematically new safety culture with regards to contemporary knowledge and experiences. The Czech Republic contribution to the safety of democratic states must meet their expectations; prospective security studies will have to bring new knowledge and technology which, first of all, will increase the level of general capabilities of the Czech Republic and at the same time to take into consideration the needs of national economy and Czech environment. Capital investments into security research are necessary as a basic input for the safety preparedness level of the CR. For these purposes it is desirable to establish security research that will be able to produce ideas and technologies which will sustain and renew the Czech Republic safety in changing conditions, among others taking note of a Seventh Framework Programme of EU for research, |
Czech Military University Education after Giving Up Career Service ModelInformational pagesMjr. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 105-107 The article deals with the position of education system under the Czech MoD control and it is focused on the so-called soldier's second professional career. It shows options for its rebuilding after introducing all-volunteer force model, when professional training scheduled for lifetime employment has been changing into training modelled for contract soldiers, much alike the police corps. Education system for career preparation of soldiers and civil servant mustn't be focused on narrowly military subjects. The author proposes more open system, in order to match the demands of the Czech University Act, secondly, because the fact that compatible university programmes will attract students from civilian sphere. Otherwise students may choose other, i.e. civilian universities and Defence University might be abolished. |
The Rationality in Commander's DecisionsMilitary professionalIng. Hubert Štofko, prof. Ing. František Mazánek, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 176-178 Based on their previous experience, the authors ponder professional soldiers? rational behaviour and decision-making process in the Army. The authors say that such behaviour is possible even on the lowest command levels, supposing several fundamental conditions are fulfilled. Every commander ought to evaluate the situation independently, unbiased, he ought to judge the impact of his decision on all parties involved and to settle actual eventualities. This process is set into military surrounding. This is a place of specific character that reflects the structure of special military relations. The higher level of command, the higher level of rationality of decisions. But, the superiors should bear in mind that even their subordinates might share decision-making process. |
Internal Auditing as an Effective Management Tool Introduced into Slovak MoDMilitary professionalIng. Soňa JiráskováVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 147-153 Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization to accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach, so that we are able to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, command and control, or other processes. Internal auditing is a tool of Ministry of Defence management that is used for increasing effectiveness both in departmental and public sector administration. The article is supplemented by two schemes of the position of audition authorities within the Slovak MoD. |
Psychological Aspects of Recruiting with Regard to AgeMilitary professionalMgr. at Bc. at Bc. Roman PospíšilVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 150-166 This work deals with the selection of candidates for Czech armed forces, with particular emphasis on their aptitude for professional military service in the ACR. Their age is also one of the distinct features influencing the result of selection procedures. The goal of this work is to assess the results of psychological tests of selected group of candidates (aged between 20-29 years and over 40) and their relation to age. This work entails theoretical as well as a practical concept in the form of quantitative survey. The theoretical part acquaints with the basic theoretical facts and specifications pertaining to military service. There is a detailed description of the selection process of suitability of the candidates for military service, especially psychological compatibility, differentiation of the stages of maturity and characterization of the maturity level in each. The practical part serves to introduce the observational survey. It analyses results of the psychological tests and presents the ascertained correlation between age and selected psychological variables. |
Development and Perspectives of Management Instruction at Defence UniversityMilitary professionalPplk. Ing. Miroslav Mašlej, doc. Ing. Bohumil Brechta, CSc., doc. Ing. Vítězslav Stodůlka, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 139-143 The article deals with the teaching of management at the University of Defence. Its authors are long-standing university teachers, possessing also experiences from command and staff appointments. In recent years, the emphasis in military schools has shifted more to subjects indirectly related to civilian courses of study, e.g. the theory of management. At the Defence University Brno it covers a wide range of other subjects: economy, informatics, operational investigation, etc.; other subjects are in fact only "supporting": applied mathematics, sociology, psychology, humane resource control and law. Military management, theory of military operations, staff service, and that belong to the group of applied fundamentals. At present, "military management" at the Defence University has only a limited scope of teaching units. It is read both at bachelor and master levels of studies, inevitably many themes are duplicated. So, among others, the authors recommend to shift the core of military management teaching to higher levels of studies, at master levels. |
An Amendment to the Environmental Policy of Czech Defence Department in 2007-2010Military professionalKpt. Ing. David Řehák, Ph.D., plk. prof. Ing. Aleš Komár, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 167-172 An Amendment to the Environmental Policy of Czech Defence Department in 2007-2010 by Capt. Ing. David (Col. ret.) This short information is based upon articles widely published in 2005-06 in Western military magazines and newspapers. After September 11, 2001, NATO member states are discussing the deployment of nuclear weapons at non-strategical level. Among others, this is embarrassed by the Russian attitude and general demands of some European NATO nations to update Alliance strategy. What does it mean? There are voices to Řehák, Ph.D., Col. Prof. Ing. Aleš Komár, CSc. This proposal reflects challenges resulting from the professional assessment of departmental environmental policy. It is divided into three parts: (i) command and control; (ii) established practice; (iii) communication and education. The solution doesn't lie in the utilization of refuse, disposal of dangerous waste, passive environmental protection, but in earth-friendly attitude towards environment, active measures for damages prevention even during commanders' decision-making process. The basic principle rests on sustainable growth, backed by harmonization of economical, environmental and social aspects. Proposed environmental policy originates from State Environmental Principles and Czech membership in NATO alliance. |
Humane Sources Available for Crisis Situations and DefenceMilitary professionalPplk. Ing. Bohuslav VlčekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 186-200 First, we must define applied terms, such as state of danger, emergency, state of state emergency, state of war, sovereignty, democratic principles. Our national reserve consists of compulsory reserves and active reserves. The author enumerates with the use of vast tablets and charts their numbers, together with numbers of military occupational specialities, and explains terms extraordinary service in time of eminent danger, during military exercises, in time of proclaimed state of emergency. He also cites numbers available for conscription (draft). Last but not least, he quotes arguments and conditions under which a reserve soldier can refuse call up order. Defence Act specifies all conditions of national military service, which also includes calling up women, except for those who are e.g. pregnant or are raising children up to age of 15 years. |
The Structure of Security System of the Czech RepublicOpinions, controversyIng. Vladimír KrulíkVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 77-88 The purpose of this article is to offer readers rather different look at the Czech Security system as that was presented in Vojenské rozhledy No 1, 2007, in an essay by dr. Rašek "Creation of the Foundations of Security Science", in which its author enumerates relevant institutions in Czech society, civilian or armed, involved in this complex security system. It is the definition of security that causes that Mr. Krulík adds other security elements and amends security system by references to basic law and legal norms that are in the background of this system. Even simple summary indicates that our security system is too complicated, tangled, without balance. It is a static picture of institutions, the validity of which could be proved only in practice. It is evident that security process should be more dynamic, as its suitability and effectiveness can be only proved face to face crisis situations. This problem is tied to the question of military expenses. Mr. Krulík hopes that further budget cuts in public sector will produce drawing up real concept of security system. |
Afghanistan: True RealityInformational pagesPodpraporčík Jan SmetanaVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 100-107 The deteriorating situation in the Afghanistan region poses a security threat not just to the United States, but to every single nation. It was from that remote area of the world that Al Qai'da plotted 9/11 and subsequent attacks in Europe and elsewhere. Reading news about Afghanistan today gives rise to the question why the situation in this country is such as now really is. Ordinary mass media depict the country often in a confusing manner: Afghanistan as "a country, full of terrorists and uneducated barbarians, longing to destroy western civilization and kill". The author describes bad security situation which presents problem for both coalition soldiers and local Afghanistan population. At the same time we must realize that involved soldiers are exposed every day to asymmetric enemy forces, they stand face to face to mortar danger that could be hidden in for example in every car passing by. |
Major General Miroslav Kácha (ret.), War Veteran, Political Prisoner - War Veteran, Political PrisonerPersonal dataPlk. v.v. Petr MajerVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 214-217 In 1939-41 Mr. Kácha was involved in Czech home resistance movement. At the beginning of 1948, the year of communist coup d'état, he became a member of illegal group of democratic army officers and military "academics" (officer candidates) at the Military Academy Hranice, headed by Col. Alexandr Korda. They collected intelligence information and prepared plans for the situation of prospective liberation of Czechoslovakia by Western democratic armies, or the Soviet Union?under the pressure of bad economic conditions or under Western pressure?would withdraw from Eastern Europe. They planned to form control authority to prevent chaos and acts of violence. In September 1949 he was sentenced to life imprisonment, after the Velvet Revolution, in May 1995, he was promoted to the rank of Major General. He was awarded the White Lion Order, Military Division. |
Military Missions Abroad and Partnership Life (FindingsfromArmySociologicalResearch)Military sociologyMgr. Nataša Ballová, Radomír Saliger, Ph.D., Jiří Hodný, Ph.D., pplk. PhDr. Ing. Jiří PavlátVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 154-167 It is an information study about sociological research completed among Czech servicemen, former members of military missions abroad, under the aegis of the rector of the University of Defence. The research goal consisted in finding causal relationship between missions and breakup rates. Among others it was determined that for breakups were predispositions even before partners went to missions abroad. A total of 3 % stated they wanted to escape from family problems. Partnership after returning home broke up in 15.6 % of questioned veterans. Research should provide cornerstone data for a proposal of concrete measures for reducing divorces and partings. The stratified sample consists of 348 respondents from the ACR who took part at least in one mission abroad and were married, or lived in long-term partnership. Data collection lasted from July to October 2008. |
The Current State and Prospects in the Field of Financial Sources Designated for MoD DepartmentInformational pagesIng. Lenka BrizgalováVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 84-97 In fact, financial resources together with human and material resources belong to the category of "defence resources". They hold a special position in defence system as financial resources are the multiplier of other sources, forming background for the effort of military commanders and leaders. This situation is caused by one simple fact: without the existence of financial resources there is no way how to pay for both human and material assets. This study describes present conditions and prospects of economical development in the word, as well as in the Czech Republic, during the period from 2000 to 2009. The article further analyses development of armed forces financial requirements, funding trends, and identifies factors that are going to determinate future military expenditures. |
The Czechs in AfghanistanInformational pagesRNDr. Nikola Hynek, M.A., doc. PhDr. Jan Eichler, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 88-100 The Provincial Reconstruction Team of Czech Republic operates in very complicated conditions and environment that are in fact hostile. It can't be excluded that growing scepticism, today common among Afghanistan security experts, more or less could affects even Czech members of ISAF missions. This study deals with existing knowledge end experiences of Czech PRT in Afghanistan. It is divided into two parts. The fi rst one concerns with outside and inside factors infl uencing ISAF missions. It brings in details characteristics of geographical, historic ambiances in which ISAF mission are performed. The second part concentrates on tangible experiences of Czech PRT members, both in political and military spheres. Here the authors summarize conclusions and upon them they outline challenges for the future. |
Chapters on Security (Informative Review)Book reviewPhDr. Antonín Rašek.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 101-102 In 2007, Karolinum, Publishing House Charles University Prage, released the book "Chapters on Security" by renowned security experts and analysts Messrs Balabán, Duchek, and Stejskal. The authors deal with main components of Czech national security system: armed forces and police, integrated rescue system, intelligence services, municipal police and private security agencies (the role of which in national security system is underestimated). The book also describes the UN and other international organizations, NATO, EU and OSCE, together with their security strategies. The world state of affairs is serious, namely with the relation to terrorism after 9/11 2001 attacks. The old security concepts are being re-evaluated, simultaneously with new risks classification, e.g. in the context of the so-called Copenhagen school (theory originating in Copenhagen, Denmark). It is a descriptive publication, by its structure targeted above all for university students, but suitable for readers who are interested in security problems. |
Will Europe Defend Itself without Americans? Reflections over Europe Security "Twenty Years" AfterReviewedPhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D., PhDr. Antonín RašekVojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 61-70 There are many items in American foreign policy the Europeans do not agree, namely its tendency towards "strong world leadership". On the other hand, the Americans would prefer stronger Europe, namely in time of world's economic crisis when US defence expenditures are practically frozen, and when pre-emptive strategy by president Bush exhausted most of American sources. Even the Europeans feel that they should profile themselves as independent, strong power, but their Common Foreign and Security Policy is still more political declaration than really military strategy. Many security experts suggest that the Lisbon Treaty excludes NATO membership as far as questions concerning defence are concerned. NATO alliance still expects new strategy that ought to be approved in December 2010. The authors predict the necessity to strengthen the so-called Second Pillar of the EU, as the United States are going to be more oriented towards cooperation with Japan, South Korea and Australia. We must bear it in mind, drawing up long-term visions of Czech Security policy. |
The New Role of IntelligenceMilitary artPlk. Ing. Miroslav Šuhaj, Ph.D., doc. Ing. Oldřich Horák, CSc.Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 37-42 The article points out the altered role of intelligence and counterintelligence under the conditions of new security threats and relevant problems of intelligence analysis. Authors compare the theories of the orthodox and revisionist intelligence schools dealing with the detection of surprise attacks and finally outlines solutions related to the training of intelligence analytics. Orthodox views are as follows: surprising attacks are inevitable, such attacks will succeed as they are unpredictable, complex and sophisticated; reformists say that too much attention is paid to various failures, there are many cases in which intelligence prevention was successful. Threat analyses are very complicated; hints are not clear, ambiguous. New threats must be examined and eliminated with cooperation with other force branches, police, integrated rescue system, and others. Last but not least, there is indispensable role of preparation and schooling of intelligence officers. |

