Voenen Zhurnal 4s/2025

Lieutenant colonel Dr. Eng. Nikolay Nedev, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. International humanitarian law is the main international legal instrument for regulating armed conflicts and protecting civilians. In the context of strategic rivalry, the challenges to international humanitarian law posed by hybrid threats and their materialization in the context of hybrid warfare are becoming quite serious. Hybrid threats combine military and non-military means – cyber operations, information and psychological cam-paigns, migration, economic pressure and actions by non-state actors. This dynamic blurs the boundaries between peace and war, between military and civilians, and between military and civilian objects. This article examines the key legal and practical difficulties associated with the application of interna-tional humanitarian law in the context of hybrid warfare and offers guide-lines for its adaptation to new security realities.

Keywords: international humanitarian law; hybrid warfare; cyber attacks, threshold of armed conflict

Emil Shipochky, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The publication presents a methodology for studying the dynamics of international military cooperation (IMC) of the Republic of Bulgaria with countries with which agreements have been signed and such cooperation is developing. The methodology provides a tool in the hands of the country’s political and military leadership in making informed decisions for planning defense policy, the main priority of which is the development of effective bilateral and regional military cooperation. The methodology is applicable to reporting and planning of the MоD and at a lower institutional level, such as the structures subordinate to the Minister of Defense, including the Rakovski National Defence College.
Keywords: international military cooperation; methodology

Dr. Boti Vidolov, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. This article presents an analysis of the results of the admission campaign for the academic year 2024/2025 at the Rakovski National Defence College. The study includes a comparison with the previous year, an analysis of trends in specialties and forms of training, as well as an assessment of the quality of candidates. The focus is on the dynamics of interest in the specialties “Security and Defense” and “Cybersecurity”, as well as on the differences between state procurement and paid training. Conclusions and recommendations for improving the process of selecting and retaining students are presented.
Keywords: admission; candidates; enrolled students; state procurement; paid training; security and defense; cybersecurity; analysis; comparison; education

Dr. Iliya Tabakov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The study examines the issue of Kurdistan as a geopolitical project and its impact on the national security of the Republic of Bulgaria. The analysis highlights the historical, ethnic and geopolitical aspects of the region, as well as the strategic interests of various international powers, as well as the main risks that are identified for the Republic of Bulgaria. The conclusion emphasizes the need for a careful and balanced approach to this issue in order to avoid undesirable effects.
Keywords: National security; Kurdistan; Balkans; Middle East

Dr. Chavdar Kostadinov, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College (Bulgaria)

Abstract. In the presented paper a SWOT analysis of the Digital Silk Road project is made. It analyzes its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats it poses for the countries directly involved in the project’s construction, and the shifting balance of power for the entire region – both technologically and diplomatically.
Keywords: SWOT analysis; Digital Silk Road] cybersecurity

Yanitsa Petkova, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College 

Abstract. The article presents a comparative analysis of two consecutive youth strategies in Bulgaria – the National Youth Strategy 2010 – 2020 and the National Youth Strategy 2021 –2030. Key elements of the two documents are compared, such as their overall structure, vision, objectives, priorities, and instruments and mechanisms for accountability, monitoring, and control. The comparison reveals the characteristics of the evolution of youth policy in the country over a twenty-year period – the building, development, and adaptation of the strategy model to the current social conditions in the country. The aim is to highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of the two documents by analyzing the different elements of the strategy and comparing them, in an attempt to draw lessons and recommendations for the development and updating of strategic documents for youth in the country.
Keywords: youth; youth policy; national youth strategy; policy effectiveness; comparative analysis

Dr. Dilyan Markov, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. Artificial intelligence, as an emerging destructive technology, finds its application in the military sphere, with a strong increase in its role in recent years, in the context of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The focus of the report is on its implementation and development in various fields of field artillery, according to firing procedures to achieve higher effectiveness of fire.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; artillery; fire support

Svetozara Velichkova, PhD student
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Abstract. In recent years, the digitalization of the media, the development of information technologies and social networks have imposed changes in the activities of institutional PR specialists in Bulgaria. The article is an attempt to outline the main changes in the transformation of PR practice in institutions in Bulgaria, as well as the advantages of Web 2.0 communication through social media. The scientific research methods used are general scientific methods – logical analysis and synthesis, induction, deduction and observation. The goal is to present the advantages of digital PR tools in the field of institutional PR and to prove that online communication tools can be effective communication for institutions with their audiences. It is concluded that institutions‘ PR specialists need to acquire new skills in the field of digital platform management in order to carry out effective online communication. In recent years, institutions in Bulgaria have registered a low level of trust among the public. At the same time, sociological surveys show that more and more Bulgarians prefer to get informed through social networks. Institutional PR specialists need new methods of communicating with their publics and reaching new audiences, which can be achieved by implementing new online communication mechanisms that provide two-way and interactive communication.
Keywords: institutional PR; digital PR; social media; interactive communication

Dr. Michael Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The present study evaluates the degree of agreement under token-based Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) annotation across three criteria for binary classification, reformulated as ordinal tasks. The assessment was conducted using Kendall’s W coefficient of concordance and its chi-square approximation for statistical significance. The results indicate a moderate, statistically significant level of agreement for attitude polarity (W = 0.2817; χ² = 40.5682; df = 9; p < 0.001), in contrast with very low and statistically insignificant agreement for temporal reference (W = 0.0508; p ≈ 0.605) and relational directness (W= 0.0563; p ≈ 0.524). The findings are interpreted in light of the cognitive and linguistic demands of each criterion, with emphasis on active learning under uncertainty and explainability (XAI).
Keywords: HITL; active learning; XAI; attitude polarity; temporal reference

Lieutenant colonel (OF-4) Dr. Andon Andonov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The article analyzes the role of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the recent conflicts, focusing on their development, doctrinal application, and strategic implications. Based on the experience of the wars in Syria, Nagorno-Karabakh, Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict, the study outlines the main trends in the operational employment of UAS – mass deployment, integration into network-centric architectures, autonomy, and swarm tactics. Strategic lessons are summarized regarding the interaction between technology, ethics, and new forms of combat efficiency. The research highlights the necessity for building national capabilities in UAS development and countermeasures as a key component of modern defense policy.
Keywords: unmanned aerial systems; modern conflicts; swarm tactics; autonomy; network-centric operations

Dr. Lachezar Milushev, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The article offers a practical method for assessing the security risk of sites with mass residence of people. The method is based on a realistic approach to risk assessment, in order to subsequently plan the activity and train the staff on site. Different approaches to the implementation of this process are proposed, evaluating their efficiency and applicability in making a decision to act in various emergency situations.
Keywords: risk; danger; a facility with mass incarceration of people; analysis; evaluation

Dr. Mitko Uzunov
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. This paper presents the conceptual, technological, and pedagogical foundations of the interactive simulator Cyber Crisis Edu v.0.0.3, developed as an educational tool for cybersecurity training with integrated elements of artificial intelligence. The model, outlined in the monograph “Concepts for Cybersecurity Education Supported by Generative AI Models”, aims to combine theoretical preparation with practical simulation of crisis scenarios in cyberspace. The simulator employs an adaptive learning approach in which the trainee interacts with a virtual AI instructor and solves dynamic tasks related to cyber incidents, attack investigation, and real-time response. In this way, Cyber Crisis Edu v.0.0.3 serves as a model for transforming the educational process through generative artificial intelligence that enhances critical thinking, situational analysis, and strategic decision-making skills. The results of the experimental implementation demonstrate a significant increase in training effectiveness and learner engagement, confirming the simulation-based approach as a key factor in the modern preparation of professionals for national security.
Keywords: cybersecurity; artificial intelligence; simulator; education; cyber crises; digital transformation

Dr. Dimitar Kirilov, Assist. Prof.
Rakovski National Defence College

Abstract. The report examines the contemporary requirements for logistics capabilities and infrastructure, the dilemma between minimum requirements and the actual logistics efforts needed to maintain operational effectiveness, as well as the resulting challenges faced by national and allied logistics units regarding the organization and provision of timely and high-quality logistical support to coalition forces.
Keywords: host-nation support; infrastructure, logistic; minimum requirements; units

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Journal article

Consecutively are being listed author name, year of publication, article title, journal name (in italics), annual volume, issue number, page numbers (separated by a long dash).

REFERENCES

GRIGOROV, M., 2021. Antiteroristichni operatsii – ponyatie i spetsifiki pri provezhdaneto im. Voenen zhurnal, vol. 128, no 1, pp. 77 – 86. ISSN 0861-7392 [in Bulgarian].

Such a source is being indicated in the body text as (Grigorov 2021). If necessary to indicate specific page (e.g. p. 80), the indication is as follows: (Grigorov 2021, p. 80). If an article in an online periodical is cited, after the journal name (in italics), the source of the text (accessible web address or DOI number) should also be placed at the

end of the cited source.

LOMAZZI, L.; CADINI, F.; GIGLIO, M. & MANES, A., 2022. Vulnerability

assessment to projectiles: Approach definition and application to helicopter platforms.

Defence Technology, vol. 18, no 9, pp. 1523 – 1537. Available on: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.

dt.2021.09.001. [last viewed: 29 October 2022].

Such a source is indicated in the body text as (Lomazzi, Cadini, Giglio & Manes 2022), or as (Lomazzi et al. 2022).

Books

The book title is given in italics. Mentions also are the city and the publisher of the book.

REFERENCES

NEDYALKOV, D., 2022. 130 godini balgari v nebeto. Kratka istoria na balgarskata voenna aviatsia. Sofia: Prozorets. ISBN 9786192432300. [in Bulgarian].

Such a source is indicated in the body text as (Nedyalkov 2022). If necessary to indicate specific page (e.g. pp. 18 – 19), the indication is as follows: (Nedyalkov 2022, pp. 18 – 19).

Edited books

Only the title of the cited book / collection is given in italics, after the title is indicated the page range of the quoted text.

REFERENCES

YORDANOV, P., 2022. Izsledvane na riskovete za kibersigurnostta vav vaorazhenite sili na Bulgaria. In: Savremenni aspekti na sigurnostta –predizvikatelstva, podhodi, reshenia, pp. 357 – 366. Sofia: Izdatelstvo G.S. Rakovski. [in Bulgarian].

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