OCTOPUSINSTITUTE

THE WESTERN BALKANS AT A CROSSROADS: AN OLD WAR FRONT IN NEW GEOPOLITICAL COMPOSITIONS

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Dr. Gurakuç KuçiSenior Research at Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS”gurakuq.kuqi@octopusinstitute.orgProfessor at Universum Collegegurakuq.kuqi@universum-ks.org Abstract The Western Balkans is transforming into one of the primary fronts of confrontation between global powers, where Russia’s and Serbia’s hybrid strategies directly challenge the stability and sovereignty of countries in the region. This paper examines the complex dimensions of

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SERBIA’S TERRORISM

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Author: Dr. Arben Fetoshi The most serious attack against Kosovo—the sabotage of the vital Ibër-Lepenc water supply infrastructure—is still being addressed through the same parameters of international political calculations, risking its interpretation as tacit “approval” for similar attacks in the future. The “cautious” reactions aimed at avoiding prejudgment of Serbia’s culpability, despite the clear context

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PLATFORMS OF EXPANSIONISM: A COMPARISON OF RUSSIA’S NARRATIVES FOR UKRAINE AND SERBIA’S NARRATIVES FOR KOSOVO

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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

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RUSSIA’S HYBRID WARFARE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: GEOPOLITICAL STRATEGIES AND PROXY ACTORS

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Dr. Gurakuç KuçiSenior 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

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THE BATTLE WITH DISINFORMATION

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Author: Dr. Arben Fetoshi Despite the different definitions on the types of malicious information, information pollution is today a reality that seriously threatens democracy, security and the economy around the world. Information disorder is an influential concept that includes disinformation – as false information that is disseminated with the intention of causing harm, misinformation –

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PRISTINA: GLOBAL EXPERTS DISCUSS THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE ON THE STABILITY OF EUROPE AND THE BALKANS

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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

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SCENARIOS AFTER BANJSKA AND THE RUSSO-SERBIAN HYBRID WARFARE IN KOSOVO

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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

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PUSH AND PULL: HOW SERBIA USES THREATENING AND NEGOTIATING TACTICS TO INFLUENCE THE STABILITY OF KOSOVO

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Author: Agim MusliuDirector at the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS”agim.musliu@octopusinstitute.org Serbia has adopted a dual approach in its relations with Kosovo, a key issue for regional stability. Under the leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia has employed a combination of threats and negotiations to advance its national interests. This “push and pull” strategy allows

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SOCIAL MEDIA: FROM THE “MAGIC BULLET” TO THE “TRAGIC BULLET”

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Author: Arben Fetoshi The transformation of the media as a result of information and communication technology (ICT) has brought back Lasswell’s ‘magic bullet’ to the scene as a calculated effect of media messages. Alongside the positive side of the digital revolution, with easier and faster access to information and the empowerment of marginalized groups in

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