Author: Gurakuç Kuçi - Researcher
Gurakuç Kuçi - Researcher
Gurakuç Kuçi is a doctor of international relations and the history of diplomacy at the University of Tetova in North Macedonia, he has completed a master’s degree in International Politics and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Pristina “Hasan Prishtina”, as well as another bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the same institution. He is a researcher at the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” and has experience working with non-governmental organizations and journalism. Kuçi has several scientific publications in international journals.
Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi Senior Researcher at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS”gurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.org Abstract This paper examines Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics against the Western Balkans, focusing on using direct and indirect methods to exert influence in the region. The study delves into Russia’s strategic use of media manipulation, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, alongside its employment of proxy state and non-state actors such as Serbia, Republika Srpska, and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Leveraging historical, cultural, and religious ties, Russia seeks to destabilize the Western Balkans and prevent closer integration with NATO and the European Union. Special attention is given to the geopolitics…
Introduction: The Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” in Pristina organized an international conference on October 2, 2024, titled “The Impact of Russian Aggression in Ukraine on European Geopolitics.” The event featured prominent experts, diplomats, politicians, and scholars from the region, as well as internationally recognized figures, including Dr. Jennifer Cassidy from Oxford, Dr. Pekka Kallioniemi from Finland, Ukrainian Professor Dr. Ihor Todorov, among others. Discussions focused on the consequences of the conflict for security and international relations, offering a platform for dialogue and deep analysis of the impacts of Russian aggression, the challenges, and opportunities for Europe in this…
On the anniversary of the Banjska attack, the objectives behind this violent act are being refreshed with renewed intensity. Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has expressed strong support for the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, promoting the return of Serbian forces to Kosovo in accordance with UN Resolution 1244. This project, recently endorsed by the Great All-Serbian Assembly, is gaining increasing traction in Western diplomacy, driven by the Serbian lobby, serving as an instrument to justify Belgrade’s territorial ambitions. Russia, as the primary sponsor of this process, has utilized Serbia’s alignment with the West as…
Abstract: This paper examines three cases of espionage arrests in Kosovo, involving two Serbian individuals and two Albanians linked to the Serbian Information and Security Agency (BIA). The aim of these spies was to discredit the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), alter the narrative of the Reçak massacre, create a “yellow house” similar to the one in northern Albania, and destabilize the state of Kosovo by inciting interethnic conflicts. Through the analysis of specific cases and motivation theories, this paper sheds light on the reasons why individuals engage in espionage against their own country, Serbia’s efforts to manipulate the history and…
Institute for Studying Hybrid Warfare “Octopus” has prepared a weekly summary of Serbia’s actions that threaten Kosovo and the Western Balkans region. This report does not include the latest incidents concerning the arrest of BIA spies in northern Kosovo and Ferizaj, but the Octopus Institute is preparing separate reports on these and other topics. The Serbian army conducted significant training with members of the fighter-bomber squadron from the 98th aviation brigade at the “Morava” military airport near Kraljevo, using the “Orao” attack aircraft. The training focused on providing air support to ground and Special Forces in combat operations. Serbian Defense…
Abstract Electoral processes are gaining increasing importance on the geopolitical stage, becoming a major force in shaping politics and international relations. Observing elections in countries such as the USA, Germany, and Italy, confirms that ideological changes within political parties are significantly impacting geopolitical dynamics (i.e., electoral politics as a form of geopolitics). These changes are evident in the use of electoral processes by autocratic regimes such as Russia and Serbia to influence fragile democracies, including North Macedonia and Montenegro. The hybrid warfare strategies of these regimes aim to influence the outcome of elections and manipulate political structures in their favor.…
Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi“OCTOPUS” Institutegurakuqkuqi@octopusinstitute.org Key points: Key conclusions: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has threatened the West that they must choose between Kosovo and Serbia. He further continued that if they choose Kosovo, Serbia will “wait for the best possible moment and they will use the opportunity”. Vucic strengthened these threats on the basis that Kosovo will be supported by the West for membership in the Council of Europe (CoE) and NATO. In a congratulatory letter addressed to Putin for the victory in the elections in Russia, Vucic complains to him about the “difficult political situation that the Serbian people were…
Abstract: Serbia aims its returnment or the achievement of the Serbian World (Greater Serbia) in Montenegro through the model of Bosnia with federalism, the model of North Macedonia – like the Albanians, the third model is Kosovo – an association of municipalities with a Serbian majority, the fourth model is the possibility of a referendum where partial or complete union with Serbia can be requested from Montenegro and the fifth possibility is the change of favorable geopolitical circumstances leading to full scale invasion. These conclusions on the paper are based on a historical, geopolitical analysis, Serbian hegemonic appetites, statistical, ethnic…
Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi“OCTOPUS” Institutegurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.org Electoral elections are no longer merely democratic undertakings organized to guide socio-economic development. They now also hold geostrategic and geopolitical importance, becoming a significant part of hybrid warfare strategies. Following Montenegro, we now observe this trend in North Macedonia, where even German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has intervened, presenting a Western stance that extends beyond his personal preference. Electoral processes have evolved from internal socio-political and economic matters to a major force in shaping politics and geopolitics. Elections in the USA from 2016 to today, followed by those in Germany, Italy, and other European countries, show that…
Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi“OCTOPUS” Institutegurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.org The recent population census in Montenegro could bring serious harm to this country. The non-publication of full results on issues such as ethnicity, language, and religion raises suspicions that the activities of Serbia and Russia have managed to disrupt the ethnic balance by artificially increasing the Serbian ethnicity through encouraging Montenegrins to declare themselves as Serbs. This issue is part of a strong cause of restoring Russian and Serbian influence in this country, which offers access to warm waters, namely the Adriatic Sea. The recent census, apart from the irregularities during its conduct, also faced a…