Vojenské Rozhledy

Czech Military Review

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Results 751 to 780 of 3085:

Financial Management of DoD (Reality without False Statements)

Opinions, controversy

Ing. Jiří Dušek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 67-73

This piece of writing is a polemic with the article by Maj. Pernica "System of Planning, Programming, Budgeting (and Flogging a Dead Horse)? in Vojenské rozhledy 4/2005. Allegedly, the criticized article quoted some misleading statements, based on financial records, inappropriate for this purpose. Ing. Dušek does not agree with its general idea, introduced out of contexts. The Planning, Programming and Budgeting System was introduced by leading economy experts (e.g. university professor Mr. Ochrana, School of Economy, Prague). Some deficiencies and shortages are inevitable, but as a whole, the PPB system works. Statistics is a dynamic science and statistical data are to be judged only in connection with statistical methods used in years in concern. For example, in answering the Defence Planning Questionnaire, we were asked by NATO authorities to transfer entries for leasing Grippen aircrafts from modernization and development items to the operational item. Consequently, the percentage of investment purchases decreased. The same goes for the percentages of National Gross Domestic Product spent for military budget, and so on. Moreover, MoD financial department put several useful proposals how to make financial flows more clear, but the were refused by the government.

Principles of Anti-Extremist Policy of the Czech Republic

Nonreviewed - Other

Doc. dr. Štefan Danics, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 9-20

Political extremists as an anti-system opposition present an impending threat to democracy. They use both legal and illegal methods of fight against society. In our country, all wings of extremist movement are present, even though the Czech Home Office suspended the activities of hard left and right organizations. The author holds wider concept of extremism. He classes among extremists also the so-called darkers and phakers and ani-globalist street parties, in which strange personages with anarchy background took part in. With them, there are subsequent forms of sub-culture tied: squatting, darking, hooligans, and graffiti. Among others, the author puts the stress on prevention. Anti-extremist policy must be complex: regulations and remedies are overlapping. The antiextremist precautions are accepted not only by state institutions primarily concentrated on inner security, but also within the bodies such as Ministry of Defence, Security and Information Agency, Military Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence, Office for Foreign Relations and Information, various educational, youth and cultural organizations.

Theoretical Background of Security Science and Medium Range Theory (Discussion Supplement)

Opinions, controversy

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 90-100

Recently, on pages of this Military Review, several authors wrote about new scholarly discipline, the securitology (Josef Janošec, MR 3/2007). The author would like to add several ideas to this new discipline, inspired among others, D. Meadows, Limits to Growth, P. Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, R. Robertson, Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture, Albrow, M. The Global Age, and many others. Today's world actors, the U.S., People's China, Russia, India, Iran, are in their roles accompanied by institutions, such as the Unites Nations, European Union, NATO, International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, multinational monopolies, etc. Among key actors also belong established international terrorism, international crime. The common outlet of those megatrends is emerging New Multipolarity, new picture of world's configuration. Among others, at the end, the author calls for good relations with Russia, otherwise we might face energetic crisis (energy aspect of security).

The Results of the Analysis of Langue Requirements of Military Professionals of the ACR

Informational pages

PhDr. Mária Šikolová, PhDr. Jiří Dvorský, CSc., PaedDr. Stanislava Jonáková

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 114-119

The language preparation was the main theme of the research done by the Faculty of Military Technology (Defence University Brno) in 2005. Two types of questionnaires were employed, one for university staff and a second one for career officers. Although we still underline the importance of English language for career soldiers in the ACR, the professional usage of foreign languages is low. Among others, the total of 43 per cent of respondents to the poll on usage of English language answered that they never had used English in their work; only 36 per cent used English occasionally, from time to time. It was not a research for academic sake; the answers by professional soldiers represent an important back feed for English teachers. They identified the fields of language teaching on which we could concentrate (military English, technical terminology) and prepared study schemes for teaching some subjects in English. The language preparation in our army is based upon NATO STANAG 6001 that ought to be harmonized with the requirements of individual departments ...220

Topical Aspects of Current Military Physical Training

Military professional

Mjr. PhDr. Tomáš Černohorský

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 173-180

Some time ago, this review published an article by Mgr. Antonín Konrád in which he asked the readers to discuss the problems tied with military PT. Training is not mere physical exercises, weight training and the like. Physical resistance, endurance is necessary precondition for effective developing physical performance and locomotive powers. Soldier's physical qualification must be taken on the whole, as individually connected dispositions, covering all layers of meaning of soldier's life. The author proposes to strictly differentiate among service obligatory PT, selective PT, and off-service PT. administrative and draft commands came into existence. The core changes took place in 1949 when regional military commands were established, further changes followed: in 1954 regional military commands were remodelled into regional military directorates. Their subordination was also altered. As of January 1, 1992, the regional military directorates were renamed higher administrative commands. Updated Act No. 218/1999 (Military Law) established 35 regional directorates and the Main Draft Centre Tabor (dealing with recruiting, mobilization and manning). Under the Act 585/2004, a total of 14 Regional Military Command were established, with the aim to manage crisis situations, organize mobilization, manning the forces, taking care of military veterans, retired servicemen, including the support of regional military clubs. The latest document defining the scope of authority and organizational structure of regional military commands was published in November 3,2006, taking effect as of January 1, 2007.

Assessment of Exercise Waste by Means of Hazard Impact Index

Military professional

Nadporučík Ing. David Řehák, Ph.D., plukovník prof. Ing. Aleš Komár, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 133-135

Wastes resulted from military exercise and their negative influences are imminent risks for our environment. To eliminate this, first we have to make the classification of wastes and secondly their index evaluation. The indexing can frame negative potential influence of wastes even before actual start of the exercise, so that we can evaluate negative impacts and arrange preventive measures beforehand. With using tablets and charts, the article depicts the process of classification and index appraisal of wastes, originating during military exercise. The method is being developed at the Defence University in Brno and was presented in front of Environmental Training Working Group (NTG/ ASG) and consulted with individual representative of Alliance nations. However Hazard Impact Index method is developed for testing purpose within a mechanised company of the Czech Ground Forces, ACR. Another step is the creation of algorithm for the conversion of index values for higher organic units and levels of the Army of the Czech Republic.

Development and Preparation of Battle Groups EU

Military art

Pplk. Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 30-50

The CPX Battle Group 2007 was the Strategic and Operational Studies Institute key exercise in the field of CZe/sVK Battle Group EU. It was aimed at increasing operational capability of the Higher Officers Courses attendants in conducting integrated expeditionary and network centric operations in asymmetric environment, in a rapid, mobile, flexible and versatile manner. The exercise was held in May and June, 2007, at the University of Defence Campus, Brno. The aim of this article is to present the latest developments of the rapidly deployable EU Battle Groups and provide better understanding to the complexities of setting up a multinational high-readiness unit for peace-support and crisis management. The author discusses some issues and problem of the concept, similarities and differences between the Battle Group Concept and the NRF, Headline Goal 2010, and some tactical issues related to the operations. Some alternative options on how to further develop this Battle Group Concept are proposed at the end of the study.

Actors of World's Security (New Mid-Term Security Theory)

Nonreviewed - Other

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 12-28

The author summarizes and consequently generalizes security histories of war, peace, military, based upon the events of the last century. Recent moves towards a common European defence and security policy and European defence capabilities have sparked off considerable debate. Concerns have been voiced that this could lead to a decoupling of Europe's security from that of its other NATO allies, or a duplication of effort or capabilities. Above all, there is an urgent need for Europe to boost its capabilities, if it is not to be confined in future to a useful, but limited, reactive defence and security role. It is expected that the US, in a medium-term outlook, to say in the 2020 horizont, will be in a position of the only world's superpower; the People's China will remain only a regional power. All prognostic considerations must be therefore deduced from the position of the United States in the world. The American policy of multilateralism has proved to be most successful in history. As far as the position of our republic is concerned, to improve our defence capabilities we must use the EU as a framework ...242

7th Terminology Conference (Lessons Learned)

Conference

Podplukovník Ing. Jaroslav Stojan

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 106-109

In April 2006, there was another symposium dealing with military professional terminology. Its main purpose was to evaluate experiences with introducing standardized terminology, their levels. Established in September 2004, the Terminology Committee introduces current NATO terminology into all branches of defence department, by means of Standardization Information System. At present, the Training and Doctrine Directorate in Vyškov studies the chance to develop similar database for operational terminology.

The Analysis of Economic Indicators of Manning in the Armed Forces

Nonreviewed - Other

Prap. Martina Chemišincová, Ing. Rudolf Rak, dr. Luboš Štancl, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 30-37

The problem of allocation of defence sources and their effective spending during recruiting is analyzed by means of modelling and simulation of economic indicators to support of decisional processes of defence planning and arising effectiveness of defence sources in Czech environment. The authors present an example that illustrates the monitoring costs in recruiting. At present, we have no accomplished internally tied system of economic indicators, the article therefore proposes such indicators which could describe continuance in recruiting process, by means of which we shall be able to calculate its financial costs.

Systems Approach in Economic Practice of the ACR

Nonreviewed - Other

Ing. Svatopluk Kunc

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 45-51

The proposals of systems approach are sometimes met with a negative acceptance. While solving difficult problems, army members exploit mere practical approaches and they proved to be successful. For that reason the author offers a short glimpse into systems thinking, as necessary starting point for pinpointing the cause of current difficulties. The system is any collection of component elements that work together to perform a task. In economic science, system is used in a variety of contexts. Military cost-effective system can be an essential programme that manage Planning Programming and Budgeting System, flexibly reacting to emerging military challenges resulting from new budget rules (based upon NATO doctrines). One of possible causes of disproportionate and undesirable reactions are wrongly set systems rules, e.g. in market systems manifested by the so-called risks factors. In the forces, the same position ought to be held by unified systems rules, taking into account individual economic subsystems (billing systems, spending elements, etc.), harmonizing them in terms of general independent economic principles.

The Air Force in the Urban Fight

Military professional

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 218-220

As the world grows ever more urbanized, the Air Force prepares airmen to fight in cities. They are complex domains where military operations are congested by terrain and by the danger of collateral damage and the risk to non-combatants. The Air Force supports the joint force by providing valuable airspace control, command and control, communications and psychological operations support, close-air support, terminal attack control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue. But Air Force capabilities in the urban are not just the supporting force for urban operations, it has ability to provide strategic attack against critical urban area. Based upon an article by Lt.Col. Brian M. Newberry in Armed Forces Journal, September 2006.

Quality Control in the Army of the Czech Republic

Military professional

Por. Ing. Martin Vlkovský

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 136-142

This article informs readers about basic ISO standards (International Organization for Standardization), series 9000, and about terminology f lowing from ČSN EN ISO 9000:2001 standards. Fundamental part of the report is a relevant Army of Czech Republic specifics analysis and model implementing proposals of quality management system into a command and control structure of the army. It is favourable for the forces to use above mentioned systems (norms, terminology), especially in logistics. It enables us to follow suppliers/contractors to guarantee the highest quality and effectivity of products and services bought for military. NATO uses among others norms AQAP (Allied Quality Assurance Publications) that were introduced even in our country. Processes are identified in a way broader then in terms of mere ?quality?. Excellence model under EFQM (European Fund For Quality Management) is a voluntary system that can be used for the effective building of a ?small? army, reduced in size, structure, and personnel, in accordance with the approved concept of rebuilding the Czech Army.

Some Aspects of the Development of Intelligence Branches inside Strategic Military Intelligence Service

Military art

Plk. 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.

People's China performed a successful anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons test at more than 500 mi. altitude Jan. 11,2007, destroying an aging Chinese weather satellite target with a kinetic kill vehicle launched on board a ballistic missile. The Consequences of Destroying Satellite by China

Informational pages

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 128-129

Chinese test shows that the Chinese military can threaten the imaging reconnaissance satellites operated by the U. S., Japan, Russia, Israel and Europe. Among others, Aviation Week, Defence Technology etc. report that the test signifies a major new Chinese military capability. China's growing military space capability is one major reason why the US is going to develop a new space policy. Such a policy is to be designed to ensure that US space capabilities are protected in a time of increasing challenges and threats. remove nuclear weapons from Europe. As the alternative to American nuclear weapons they offer forming European nuclear forces, consisting mostly or exclusively of Britain and France potentials. Nevertheless, most of European states ask the US to keep nuclear weapons on European continent. NATO nuclear strategy is still valid: atomic arsenals represent an effective deterrence against the weapons of mass destruction, whoever might use them. fl Potential Deployment of Snipers in ACR Operations by Maj. Ing. Josef Ručka, Ph.D. The article deals with duties of a sniper and a military observer, sharp shooting at long distances, movement at areas in which operations are being carried out. Snipers are trained marksmen who are specialized in sniping the enemy. They are usually sited away form the main force, so that they can concentrate on shooting at selected targets instead of being drawn into general firefight. They are also less likely to be affected when the main force comes under artillery fire. The modern sniper is not alone, he is usually employed in team of two. The author also describes rifles and other weapons and equipments snipers are armed. The article is supplemented by graphs and tablets.

Intelligence Analysis in Asymmetric Operations

Military art

Doc. Ing. Oldřich Horák, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 52-58

Asymmetric operations lack some linear qualifications at operational levels and split themselves into dozens of tactical warfares. This type of warfare demands quick analytical thinking tied with intelligence preparation of the battlefield, formulating specific information requirement to fill in the missing elements in information requests. As to technological potential, military intelligence is developing very fast. So, the intelligence analysts transfer the main information burden on various information systems, e.g. JSTARS (Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System), AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), ASAS (All Source Analysis System), or JDISS (Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System). But large capacities of those systems gave rise to another logical judgement that leads to different interpretation of intelligence data, i.e. the judgements corresponding to higher levels (operational and above) of analytical thinking. Nevertheless, tactical warfare represents operations of small tactical units and this fact puts the main burden on an intelligence analyst who must very quickly cover the gaps in intelligence reports and adopt appropriate decisions.

Military Missions Abroad and Partnership Life (FindingsfromArmySociologicalResearch)

Military sociology

Mgr. Nataša Ballová, Radomír Saliger, Ph.D., Jiří Hodný, Ph.D., pplk. PhDr. Ing. Jiří Pavlát

Vojenské 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.

Neonacisms and Anarchism (Inner Security Threats)

Military sociology

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 148-158

The complex security strategy must pay attention not only to outer threats, but also to inner security risks. Social and cultural impacts of globalisation produced even to our country a rise of several extremist right-wing political groups inspired by or following the tenets of Hitler's Nazi Party, referred to as neo-Nazis, because they modify Nazi doctrine and because the original Nazi movement inspires them. Some forms of fascism are also anti-Semitic or xenophobic. On the contrary, Anarchism is a political theory opposed to all forms of government. Anarchists believe that the highest attainment of humanity is the freedom of individuals, unhindered by any form of repression or control. To accept matching strategy, we must know those theories, their international background, as those movements are usually tied with organized crime and terrorism.

Up to Law Family Tree of Public Contracts

Informational pages

JUDr. Ing. Dalibor Nový

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 100-109

Evaluating offers of contestants for public contracts belong to key and critical moments of public tenders and the whole acquisition process at all. Variety and comprehensibility of numerical and rating methods shouldn't prevent applicants from understanding conditions and terms of contract/agreement. The transparency principle of evaluating is only slowly pushing forward in our legal system. We move from mere subjectivistic and unverifiable impressions to the unbiased comparing of best offers, together with the requirement of transparency, as a part of the process of comparing, ranking, and assessing offers, by the use of specific qualitative or quantitative factors, such as prices, feasibility, collateral risks, time plan or other conditions. The final step is called amalgamation, when we merge individual classifications in one complex appraisal.

Today's Diverse Army: Changes in the System of Training and Career Preparation of Junior Officers

Military art

Pplk. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D., plk. gšt. Ing. Jaromír Zůna, MSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 43-48

The article elaborates local conditions that lead to the fundamental changes in recruitment and preparation system of new army officers. Traditionally, new career officers used to be graduates from military colleges (since 2004 University of Defence). Due to the changes aroused by the transition from conscription to all volunteer forces, Czech military is experiencing increased internal and external pressures on this traditional models of recruitment and preparation. At present, the most visible outcome of this development is severe shortage of junior officers. The combination of internal and external factors (competitive civilian job market) brings the need for expansion of the traditional recruitment models. One of the most promising ways of manning appears to be recruitment of graduates from civilian universities and their subsequent military training at Military Academy in Vyškov.

Terminology Problems and Language Preparation at the University of Defence

Language preparation

PhDr. Jana Kozílková, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 168-172

This essay presents the development of opinions on the role of language training of students and learners of foreign language (officer candidates) within the development of speech and understanding capabilities in recent years. It analyses the ratio of general and special languages at military system of language preparation. Increased attention is paid to the acquisition of the so-called special competencies. The article also mentions the activities of educators in the field of terminology. The most stimulating and demanding is a stress upon professional communication at magisterial stages of university education. In conclusion, further trends in given areas are emphasized. The article was written to mark 10th anniversary of the first terminology conference in defence sector and joining the Czech Republic into standardization process that took place at Defence University Brno.

Army and Public 2008 (Public Opinion Poll)

Military sociology

Mgr. Nataša Ballová, Mgr. Jiří Hodný, Radomír Saliger, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 162-174

Under the auspices of Defence University Brno, for the third time, the social researchers executed the investigation of opinions and attitudes of Czech citizens towards the Army of the Czech Republic. It is a continual, systematic monitoring of long-run attitudes, perspectives, and preferences of Czech population, their stability or variability, preferences and priorities. It was measured by the sample survey (quota sampling). A total of 1,050 adult respondents (with a representative sample of 1,005 respondents) were polled by 62 interviewers. The first place among Army tasks took the help of the forces in time of natural disasters and ecology catastrophes (96.4 %); the second came the defence of Czech territory (85,2 %); and the third fight against terrorism (82,7 %). As less important is regarded the deployment of the Czech army abroad (55,4 %). All gathered data are presented on several graphs and schemes.

Na co je NATO?

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2002, Vol. XI. (XLIII.): 34-45

Education in the Field of Security

Informational pages

Ing. Miroslav Jurenka

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 110-114

In the Czech Republic, the schooling of security experts is broken into fragments, i.e. into many fields of study, which go beyond security politics. The state of affairs can't be regarded as satisfactory. The first step is the Resolution of Czech Security Council No. 32/2007, Common Minimum for Security Experts, which put a proposal to introduce security issues into teaching programmes in universities and institutions of further education, so that such institutions could obtain accreditation in this field. This minimum is specified namely for undergraduate study; graduated security studies ought to be more specialized. Political scientists involved in the study of security policy should attempt to devise solutions for problems of public concern. Security study covers issues such as non-military threats and risks, proliferation, pollution, natural disasters, mass migration, economy risks. It is tied with international relations, foreign policy and national security strategies.

Fire Team-Basic Building Block of the Modern Infantry Squad

Military professional

Prap. Dušan Rovenský

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2008, Vol. XVII. (XLIX.): 123-136

Supported by several historical examples, this article covers the past and contemporary development of both role and organizational structure of the infantry fire teams and squads. Fire team (or fireteam in British English) is an infantry grouping of four or less men (half of a section, GB); or one third of a squad (US). The fire team concept of the U.S. and British Army is shown as an example how to more effectively employ infantry in the all-volunteer military force. The author also shortly mentions Infantry Squad

Geograficky vybor NATO a vyuzivani narodnich specifik

Ing. Drahomír Dušátko, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2003, Vol. XII. (XLIV.): 85-90

European Security in Global Context (Reflections over Security Analyses and Prognoses in the World, the EU and the CR in 2003-2008)

Reviewed

PhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D., PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 23-30

The document "A Secure Europe in a Better World" approved in 2003 has introduced the so-called the European Security Strategy. The authors use this framework to refer to the whole set of organisations, people and activities, both military and civilian, to ensure capabilities to be delivered effectively and efficiently, both in current surroundings and in preparation for the future. They are members of the Centre for Social and Economic Strategies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University Prague, which has conducted a wide-ranging research work to detect the long-term trends, factors and actors shaping the position of the Czech Republic in European environment. The article illustrates the evolution of the key structural factors affecting change over the two decades to come-demography, the economy, energy, the environment, science and technology-and addresses some of the main questions concerning the future of the international system.

Ethic Argumentation Structures Used in Discussion over the War in Iraq

Opinions, controversy

Pplk. Mgr. Tomáš Holub

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 79-103

The main theme of this extensive paper is ethical evaluation of the state of affairs in Iraq that would play greater role - directly or indirectly - in the decision-making of foremost politicians, more role then we might think. Although the author quotes various positive or negative attitudes towards the war, he does not intend to prove or refute presented theses. He broadly treats e.g. the so-called just-war, events when imminent threat might be a case for war, moral clarity in a time of war, situations when we consider that our aims might be achieved by peaceful means. Last but not least, he writes about attitudes of church leaders, the Holy See, lines of their reasoning. The armed forces are called upon to do their duty. The greater the threat, the grater is the risk of inaction, the more compelling the case for taking anticipatory actions. In such case, the governments make their final decisions. It is not the responsibility of church-leaders or military commanders. To obey it, it would not be in conflict with the churches teaching. In these circumstances, the troops could regard an order to go to battle as morally decent, in pursuit of a moral good purpose.

Virtual University of Jihad: Training and Schooling Islamic Terrorists in Cyberspace

Informational pages

Mgr. Jiří Hodný

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 115-120

This article is discussing the role of the Internet in the Islamic terrorist movement. It describes how the nature of the Internet provides the perfect medium for terrorism. Major terrorist organizations now have their own production capability, ranging from video capture, to video editing, to distribution, but, these organizations also have an advanced understanding of the concepts of influence, information warfare, and the power of targeted messages. This is further highlighted by the fact that among al Qaeda's original organizational structure was a committee dedicated to publicity and the media. The internet plays the role as a means of propaganda for recruitment and fund-raising, shaping public opinion in the Muslim world, terrorist training and instruction, operational planning for attacks, communication and open source information.

Foreign and Security Policy of the Russian Federation at the End of the First Decade of the XXIst Century and its Anticipated Development

Informational pages

PhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2008, Vol. XVII. (XLIX.): 79-93

The study analyzes the key features of Russian policies in the late 2000s and their prospective developments. It is above all the rise of Russia's economic power, boosted by the favourable rising trend of energy prices (oil and gas) that has helped to resume again the position of one of the key world powers, obsessively pursuing its geopolitical interests in a new emerging multipolar world. This also determines its relations with other major global actors, e.g. the U.S., the EU, and China (outlined in this article). As far as military budget is concerned, it is increasing. Russia has overcome a long period of stagnancy. After 2007, they re-established strategical patrol flights off Russian territory; great effort is aimed at power projection, as a means to secure natural resources beyond Russian boarders. The study is closed by Russia's geopolitical prospects till the year 2020. and its Anticipated Development

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