This special issue of Connections examines concepts of deterrence, illustrates preconditions for successful deterrence strategies, and explores the development of contemporary strategies to deter Russia. The issue also considers the relationship between deterrence, defense, preparedness, and resilience. The articles, from across the European theater and beyond, reinforce the notion that for deterrence to be successful, it must be institutionalized.

Editors: Falk Tettweiler and Laura M. Thurston Goodroe

The accelerating development of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) is reshaping the global security environment. While these developments offer unprecedented opportunities for defense, diplomacy, and development, they also amplify existing risks, create novel vulnerabilities, and challenge traditional frameworks of governance, ethics, and interoperability.

In what could be called the current “inter-paradigm period,” the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian order will be largely determined by the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The articles in this issue delve into various aspects of this period, including Russia’s hybrid operations in Romania, Moldova, and Georgia, as well as the war itself and its consequences for Ukraine, Russia, and the world.

Guest Editor: Graeme P. Herd

This issue of Connections presents a compelling set of studies addressing the multifaceted nature of global and regional security. It encompasses a wide range of contemporary challenges, from the enduring complexities of border politics and sovereignty to the emerging frontiers of environmental security, technological disruption, existential scenarios for non-anthropogenic risks, and the impacts of climate change on international security and stability.

Editor: Andrew Borene

This edition of Connections explores the defense and security challenges currently faced by Ukraine, NATO, the European Union, and Partners in the Partnership for Peace Consortium, focusing on lessons to be learned from Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine. It highlights two-way learning, where Ukraine’s resilience, communication strategies, and innovative use of technology provide crucial insights for NATO and its Partners. Key topics include hybrid warfare, personnel management, lifelong learning, and the role of communication in countering security threats.

Democratic backsliding, characterized by the incremental erosion of democratic principles and a resurgence of authoritarian tendencies,  profoundly influences the very fabric of security governance. While its impact on public administration has been explored by scholars of public policy and public administration,  the interaction between the backsliding process and security governance has not been widely discussed in the contemporary context.

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The Summer 2013 issue of Connections presents original studies on defence economics and NATO's drive towards 'Smart Defense', NATO's critical energy infrastructures ambitions in view of recent developments in gas and oil pipeline projects, the growing role of social media in conflicts, and security developments in the Caucasus. Two papers look at Asia, in particular to the U.S. 'pivot' and the role of China's Xinjiang for security and development in Central Asia.

The Spring 2013 issue addresses potential roles of Central Asian states post-2104; the topics of strategic communication; asymmetric warfare as seen by deployed military personnel; the roles of armed forces in civil security, with details on the experience of Italy; NATO's energy security policy and developments in the Caspian; the evolution of balistic missile defense in Poland. It presents a GAO report on US and NATO efforts to assist Afghan security forces.