Author: OctopusInstitute
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…
Іноземні найманці – не дивина на війні. УНІАН дізнався, як росіяни вербують громадян Сербії, що змушує останніх ставати на бік агресора, та чи світить їм покарання у рідній країні.
Taulant Elshanisenior researcher at the Institute for the Study of Hybrid WarfareOCTOPUS Serbia’s unchecked authoritarianism under Vucic, bolstered by Western appeasement, threatens regional stability. A radical shift towards democratisation is imperative for lasting peace in the Balkans. In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic’s authoritarian regime has become deeply intertwined with the political and historical trajectory of the Serbian state over the past decades. A significant concentration of power is evident through the control of media and civil society, the suppression of opposition, strong ties with underground networks, and election manipulations (notably those on December 17). Furthermore, connections with dictator Putin, particularly post the invasion of Ukraine,…
The Banjska Terror Attack: International Appeal for Swift Action Against Serbian Aggression It has been four months since Serbia’s aggression against Kosovo through the paramilitary and terrorist attack in Banjska – organized by the highest political and military echelons in Belgrade. The Octopus Institute brings to the attention of the local and international public that Serbia and the regime of Aleksandar Vucic continues to provide state-level protection to the terrorist Milan Radojci¢ and his paramilitary group. The Octopus Institute also emphasizes the need for the international community to increase pressure on Serbia, demanding responsibility for organizing the attack on Kosovo…
Four months have passed since Serbia’s aggression against Kosovo through the paramilitary and terrorist attack in Banjskë – an aggression organized by the highest political and military levels in Belgrade. The Octopus Institute brings back to the attention of the local and international public that Serbia and the regime of Aleksandar Vučić continue to provide state protection to the terrorist Milan Radojić and his paramilitary group. The Octopus Institute also emphasizes the need for the international community to increase pressure on Serbia, seeking accountability for organizing the attack on Kosovo on September 24, 2023. The Kosovo Prosecutor’s Office and other…