Author: OctopusInstitute
The Full Address of the Ambassador of Finland to Kosovo, H.E. Mr. Matti Nissinen, at the Roundtable “Foreign Interference in Elections and Its Impact on National Security and Democracy”, organized by the Octopus Institute on January 28, 2025, in Prishtina. Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Participants, It is a privilege to join you today and discuss critical issues of security, stability, and democracy in the Western Balkans. Finland’s own journey, shaped by its proximity to complex geopolitical dynamics and a history of resilience, provides valuable lessons for Kosovo as it navigates its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. Finland’s Experience: A Blueprint for…
The Institute for the Study of Hybrid Warfare (OCTOPUS) held a roundtable discussion today in Prishtina on the topic: FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN ELECTIONS AND ITS IMPACT ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEMOCRACY.The roundtable was attended by representatives of Western states, civil society activists, experts, and journalists from the country and the region. In his remarks on the topic, the Finnish Ambassador, Matti Nissinen, stated that Finland’s experience in countering threats from foreign interference is based on three components: preparation, inclusivity, and resilience.Meanwhile, Serbian journalist Radomir Dimić described Vučić’s regime as fascist and the Serbian List as a tool used to undermine…
The Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” is organizing a roundtable discussion tomorrow, January 28, 2025, at Hotel SIRIUS, on the topic: “Foreign Interference in Elections and Its Impact on National Security and Democracy”. This event will bring together local and international experts to discuss the critical issue of foreign influence in electoral processes and its implications for democratic stability and national security. Panelists for the roundtable include: Agenda for the roundtable: The goal of this roundtable is to raise awareness of the risks posed by foreign interference in electoral processes and to provide a platform for analyzing its potential…
The ethnicization of Orthodox religion: Serbia’s nationalist strategy for destabilizing Kosovo Dr. Arben Fetoshi Director at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” arben.fetoshi@octopusinstitute.org Professor at University of Pristina “Hasan Prishtina” arben.fetoshi@uni-pr.edu Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi Senior Researcher at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” gurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.org Professor at Universum Collegegurakuq.kuqi@universum-ks.org Abstract Serbia has ethnicized religion, transforming it into a nationalist tool to destabilize Kosovo. Religious holidays, such as Orthodox Christmas, are exploited to promote political and nationalist agendas, fueling interethnic tensions. Instead of focusing on spiritual values, these events have become platforms for chauvinistic rhetoric and the glorification of Serbian historical narratives,…
Dr. Bleta BrovinaSenior Researcher at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “Octopus”, bleta.brovina@octopusinstitute.org Abstract Following the invasion of Crimea by Russia, there has been a significant shift in academic focus towards the study of Ukraine. Russia’s efforts to establish a new warfront in the Western Balkans have drawn attention to the developments in the region. This paper offers a comparative analysis of the narratives put forth by Russia concerning Ukraine and Serbia’s narratives on Kosovo. Both Russia and Serbia have constructed fake narratives that present their geopolitical disputes as issues of historical and national identity and territorial integrity. In the case…
🌍 International Conference Announcement: “The Impact of Russian Aggression in Ukraine on European Geopolitics” 🌍 The Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” is proud to announce our upcoming conference on “The Impact of Russian Aggression in Ukraine on European Geopolitics”. This event will delve into the profound effects of the ongoing conflict on European security, alliances, and diplomatic relation 📢 Confirmed Speakers Include: This conference brings together experts and thought leaders to discuss the impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on European security, diplomacy, and geopolitical landscapes. Media & Public Invitation We welcome international media to attend and participate…
Iryna Synelnyk – Voluntary Cooperation* Institute for Studying Hybrid Warfare “Octopus” has prepared a summary of the ongoing Russian disinformation campaign DoppelGanger, which is shared in the USA and European countries. We do not know of any Balkan cases of this campaign, but do not rule out such possibility as given the close cooperation between Russia and Serbia. This report includes a review about the campaign and its dangers, some examples from Ukraine and other countries. Ongoing disinformation campaign DoppelGanger, also known as Recent Reliable News (RRN), is a Russian disinformation campaign established in 2022. The primary goal of DoppelGänger…
ISSN ONLINE: 3006-5925, ISSN PRINT: 3006-5917 In 2020, construction commenced on an object known as the “Trinity Church”, as reported by Serbian public sources. This object is situated in Nakëll, Peja, a small structure surrounded by multiple old cemeteries, with easy access to the village’s main road. The property housing the object lacks any substantial protective barriers, allowing unrestricted access to anyone interested. The structure lacks clear identification as a religious building, such as an Orthodox cross. Until recently, it served as a shelter for drug addicts, transients, and homeless individuals. Amid the escalation of tensions in the hybrid war,…
Taulant Elshani senior researcher at the Institute for the Study of Hybrid WarfareOCTOPUS Abstract This study investigates the methods used by Serbia to maintain influence over the Serbian minority in Kosovo, exploring the potential use of these strategies to further Serbia’s regional ambitions in the Western Balkans. The research focuses on various tactics such as media narratives and political maneuvers, aiming to understand their role in Serbia’s strategic goals. By analyzing contemporary practices alongside historical cases, such as Serbia’s narratives during the early 1990s conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, this study draws parallels to discern behavioral patterns. Additionally,…
The Octopus Institute is actively engaged in monitoring the evolving situation in the WesternBalkans, especially the dynamics in Serbia in the context of Kosovo’s admission to the Council ofEurope. With the approach of this significant diplomatic moment, our analysis indicates that Serbiais intensifying its efforts to obstruct Kosovo’s entry into the Council of Europe.From a political perspective, Serbia is committed to stopping Kosovo’s advancement to theCouncil of Europe by also convincing NATO countries to vote against Kosovo. Serbia hasmanaged to push Montenegro, a country that recognizes the Republic of Kosovo and is a memberof NATO, to vote against Kosovo in…