Author: OctopusInstitute
Author: Dr. Iryna Synelnyk Abstract The shaping of public opinion through the spread of fake news, disinformation and manipulation is becoming a threatening trend today, especially during the elections. This paper focuses on issues of manipulation tools through social media as an attempt to provide political influence and achieve an advantage in election campaigns. This topic is covered in cases of the presidential campaign in Moldova and Romania 2024, where we have evidence of Russia’s election interference as part of a hybrid warfare which it has been gaining against the Western world. As a result, the scale of the spread…
Dr. Arben FetoshiDirector at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS”arben.fetoshi@octopusinstitute.orgProfessor at University of Pristina “Hasan Prishtina”arben.fetoshi@uni-pr.eduDr. Gurakuç KuçiSenior Researcher at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” gurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.orgProfessor at Universum Collegegurakuq.kuqi@universum-ks.org Recent geopolitical developments, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts, have triggered discussions across various regions. A recent article published by the German newspaper Bild, titled “Europe in Fear! Intelligence Agencies Fear U.S. Troop Withdrawal,” has reignited pro-Russian hostile narratives, especially in the wake of negotiations initiated in Riyadh. Redistribution of Resources as a Deceptive Narrative Portraying the redeployment of U.S. military resources as a “withdrawal” is…
We were truly honored by today’s visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Petrit Malaj, to the Institute for Studies of Hybrid Warfare “Octopus.” The meeting was both heartfelt and substantive, focusing on our shared challenges in an era of major geopolitical confrontations and hybrid threats that endanger peace and undermine democracy in our region. Ambassador Malaj, accompanied by Ms. Pranvera Teli, Minister Counsellor, highly appreciated the institute’s work and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening future cooperation. Expressing gratitude for the visit, the institute’s director, Arben Fetoshi, emphasized Albania’s crucial role in the region and the…
Policy paper Prof. Asoc. Dr. Arben FetoshiDirector at the Institute for Studies of Hybrid Warfare OCTOPUSarben.fetoshi@octopusinstitute.org Acknowledgments:I would like to sincerely thank all my colleagues for their unwavering support during the completion of this research, with special appreciation to Gurakuç Kuçi, Senior Researcher, and Lekë Beqa, Collaborator at the Institute, for their invaluable contributions. Abstract: Foreign interference in elections poses a serious threat to democracy and national security through disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks, and covert financial operations. By examining manipulation methods and their destabilizing effects from cases of Russian interference in Moldova, Georgia, and Romania, this paper is able to draw…
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…