Institutional Repository of the General Jonas Zemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania
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Evaluation of renewable energy sources sector development in the European Union /
No full textThe global energy landscape is transforming, driven by the urgent need to address climate change, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and promote sustainable economic growth. Renewable energy sources (RESs) have emerged as a cornerstone of this transition, offering environmental benefits and significant potential to catalyze economic development. By harnessing inexhaustible natural resources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, renewable energy systems provide a pathway to achieving energy security, fostering innovation, and generating new economic opportunities. In this article, the economic effect on the RES sector development was examined. The authors defined the set from seven indicators: real GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation rate, exports of goods and services, government debt, foreign direct investments, and labor cost index, which allowed them to evaluate the EU countries’ economic situation and rank the countries by economic stability level. The results, which were obtained using a multi-criteria evaluation method, show that the EU countries whose economies are the strongest according to the evaluated macroeconomic indicators are Luxembourg, Malta, Estonia, and Ireland. The countries with the lowest scores are Greece, Italy, and Spain. Seeking to evaluate the development level of the RES sector in all ranked EU countries, the analysis of RES sector development during the 2012–2022 period, using these RES indicators—share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by sector—in general, in transport, in electricity, and in heating and cooling, was carried out and, through a different multi-criteria method, the countries were ranked by RES development. After the analysis was carried out, it could be stated that the economic situation stability in the country does not directly affect the growth of the RES sector development, and the two rankings by different indicators are heavily uncorrelated. RES sector development can be affected by many other circumstances. RES development is still stagnating in some countries, despite macroeconomic stability, for several reasons: institutional and political barriers, differences in the availability of finance, infrastructure limitations, and technological and human resource shortages
Challenges related to using of solar modules and batteries by households /
No full textDespite numerous attempts to transition towards renewable sources, this process is problematic. Governments in many countries support households intending to install solar modules and batteries and obtain other devices using solar energy (e.g., chargers for electric cars). Those essential tools of economic policies are partly wasted since many barriers still exist. One such barrier is the absence of available digital solutions that allow the efficient use of solar batteries. Analysis of numerous cases revealed that solar batteries can be charged just using energy generated by solar modules. It is a pity, alas, that their function finishes here. Solar power is not always the cheapest one. The market price of electric energy in grids during some periods is negative. It would be reasonable to have an innovative battery charging system to take surplus energy from grids and store it for later use. Solar energy could be used when energy prices in grids are unfavourable. Alas, batteries lack a smart system allowing them to choose between energy sources for their charging since they can be charged just from one source selected in advance. The described barrier hinders the effective use of electric energy. It seems that creating a simple program would solve the issue. Alas, the challenge is deeper: state infrastructure is devised in a way that does not allow consumers to use different electrical energy supply channels simultaneously. Hence, on the one hand, subsidies are provided for renewable energy consumers; on the other hand, monopolistic suppliers possessing grids hinder the efficient use of electricity
The Challenge of Upgrading the Modern Soldier: The Ethical Dimension.
No full textThe article analyses one of the latest problems in military ethics - soldier upgrading. This issue directly reflects the changed methods of modern warfare and combat operations. If in the past (World Wars I and II) it was carried out with the help of masses of soldiers, now there is a greater focus on operations with special forces, i.e. small units. Battles take place in cities, where it becomes difficult to avoid collateral damage and to distinguish combatants from non-combatants. This raises not only ethical but also legal problems (war crimes, non-compliance with rules of engagement). The issue of soldier enhancement exists mainly in the context of Special Forces and includes physiological, pharmacological and technical improvements to the soldier’s body. These improvements give the soldier several positive qualities (increased endurance, ability to lift more weight, reduced fatigue, etc.), but also raise several bioethical questions that need to be answered. The philosophical question of man and his relationship with technology reappears
Hybrid threats in Lithuania: awareness of the concept and recognition of their forms of realization among young people.
No full textRussia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 have brought the concept of hybrid warfare, hybrid threats (hereinafter, HT), etc., to the political agenda of Lithuania and the West. Nevertheless, academic research and expert knowledge on the topic of HT, their perception, and identification of their forms of realization are scarce. Such research is complicated because the phenomenon of HT does not have a clear definition and is not based on a pre-defined set of characteristics. Thus, it is impossible to solve the HT problems in one universally acceptable way. In this context, knowledge and perception of HT among young people becomes particularly relevant because of their receptiveness and sensitivity to new information (or disinformation) and their important role in national security. The article presents empirical research on the knowledge and perception of Lithuanian youth about HT. The research aims to reveal the diversity of knowledge and the maturity of the perception of hybrid threats among Lithuanian youth. The definition of hybrid threats used in the article is: Hybrid threats are the malicious actions of external (foreign) actors to undermine citizens’ trust in democratic institutions by military and non-military means. Five focus group discussions hereinafter, FGDs) were conducted between September 2022 and March 2023 - three with young people (aged 18-26, conscript age in Lithuania) and two with high school students (aged 15-19). The FGDs comprised a total of 41 individuals (22 young men and 19 young females). Conclusions. The concept of a hybrid threat is difficult to understand and rarely heard among Lithuanian youth. The most common primary association of HT is with cyber-attacks and propaganda. The least common associations of HT are with law, public administration, and diplomacy. The sectors of economy, energy, education and science were highlighted during the FGDs. Young people often perceive domestic problems as HT and do not associate them with the intentional malicious activities of external actors. The research did not reveal that the experience of participating in social activities and NGOs strongly influences whether and how much young people know about HT
Editorial: Emotional resilience for wellbeing and employability: the role of learning and training /
No full textTransition towards a circular economy to build societal resilience to energy shocks /
No full textThis study examines how circular economy (CE) practices contribute to energy resilience by mitigating the impacts of energy shocks and supporting sustainable development. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) of recent studies, we analyze the ways in which CE strategies—such as resource recovery, renewable energy integration, and closed-loop supply chains—enhance energy security and reduce vulnerability to energy disruptions. Our research draws on academic databases, focusing on publications from 2018 to 2024, to identify key themes and practices that illustrate the transformative potential of the circular economy. Findings reveal that CE practices at macro, mezzo, and micro levels support resilience by fostering efficient resource use, reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable economic growth. Additionally, we highlight the roles of foreign direct investment (FDI), research and development (R&D), and supportive policies in accelerating the adoption of circular systems. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to address identified gaps, suggesting a roadmap for advancing circular economy practices as a means to enhance energy resilience and sustainability aims to reveal how wide array of factors affect transition towards more sustainable or circular economy
The effect of cadet resilience on self-efficacy and professional achievement: verification of the moderated mediating effect of vocational calling /
No full textBackground: The primary objective of this study was to empirically examine the influence of cadets’ resilience on their professional achievement within the unique context of a Military Academy. In doing so, the study sought to delineate the role of self-efficacy as a key mediator in the intricate relationship between the resilience of cadets and their professional achievements. The main focus of this study was to clarify the causal and effect relationships between the psychology and behavior mechanisms of the cadets. This was achieved through rigorous scrutiny of the moderated mediating effect of vocational calling within the multifaceted relationship involving cadets’ resilience, self-efficacy, and professional achievement. Methods: The study’s participant pool consisted of 121 individuals, comprising cadets in their third and fourth years of study, all of whom aspired to attain the rank of officer within the Military Academy. To rigorously investigate the hypotheses presented, a series of causal relationships among the four core variables were evaluated using a robust regression analysis methodology. To facilitate this analysis, the PROCESS macro 3.5v, a Hayes-developed tool, was effectively used. Results: The findings of this study revealed several critical insights. First, vocational calling emerged as a potent moderating factor in shaping the relationship between cadets’ resilience and self-efficacy. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that vocational calling exerted a conditional influence on the impact of cadets’ resilience on their professional achievement, with self-efficacy serving as a crucial mediating mechanism in this relationship. In particular, the study affirmed that self-efficacy functioned as a comprehensive mediator, elucidating the pathway through which the resilience of the cadets ultimately influenced their professional achievements. Conclusion: The results of this research contribute significantly to enhancing our understanding of the intricate connection between the resilience levels exhibited by cadets and their corresponding professional achievements. Furthermore, these findings have valuable implications for the ongoing refinement of military education and training programs. They offer insights that could inform the development of more effective testing and selection protocols for military personnel, ultimately benefiting the armed forces in their pursuit of excellence
State and State-Sponsored Terrorism: A Case Study of Russia.
No full textDespite the worldwide condemnation of Russia’s aggressive activities in the war against Ukraine, there is no unified definition of terrorism in relation to Russia. Russia is referred to as a terrorist state as well as a state that supports terrorism, and the conceptions of a terrorist regime or a user of terrorist methods dominate. The answer to whether Russia should be labelled a terrorist state, a state that sponsors terrorism, or possibly not designate Russia’s actions as terrorism depends on the definition of terrorism. Given the complexities of the conception of terrorism, the purpose of this article is to present a possible assessment of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine by exploring the challenge of defining state and state-sponsored terrorism in traditional and critical terrorism studies. The article promotes a wider academic discussion regarding state and state-sponsored terrorism, not only from diverse theoretical perspectives in terrorism studies but also by evaluating the issue of the phenomenon’s politicization in the context of international relations
Preparation of State Institutions to Implement the Civil Resistance Strategy.
No full textThe scientific problem raised in the Bachelor's thesis is what challenges do Lithuanian state institutions face when preparing to implement the strategy of civil resistance. The object of the research is the challenges that Lithuanian state institutions face when preparing to implement a civil resistance strategy. The aim of the study is to analyze the challenges faced by Lithuanian public institutions in preparing to implement a strategy of civil resistance. In order to achieve the objective of the study, three tasks are set: 1) To review the theoretical context of the preparedness of state institutions to implement a civil resistance strategy; 2) Analyze the legal framework for the implementation of the Strategy for Civil Resistance; 3) To identify the challenges of Lithuanian state institutions in preparing for the implementation of a strategy of civil resistance. The structure of the Bachelor's thesis consists of an introduction, the main part of the thesis consisting of two chapters, conclusions, references and annexes. The first chapter analyses the theoretical principles of the implementation of strategies, the concept of civil resistance, analyses the strategy of civil resistance of the Republic of Lithuania, and presents examples from foreign countries. The second chapter analyses the methodology of the research and presents the results of the research, revealing the experts' opinion on the challenges of Lithuanian state institutions in preparing for the implementation of the strategy of civil resistance. The study applies a qualitative methodology. A semi-structured expert interview method was chosen for data collection. The sample size of the study is 8 respondents. The qualitative research was carried out between 23 October and 9 November 2023. The sample is non-probability sampling. During the interviews, the informants were asked questions based on the guidelines of the research instrument. The theoretical and empirical analysis of the Bachelor's thesis has led to the following main results: 1) Researchers do not agree on the most effective style of strategy implementation, but agree that the focus should be on people; 2) The analysis of the legal environment of the participation of Lithuanian state institutions in civil resistance shows that the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania provides for civil resistance as one of the methods of state defence; 3) Researchers and participants of the study provide resilience-building measures, reveal the main challenges in the implementation of the strategy, and provide suggestions to improve the preparation for the strategy implementation
State violence and pains of punishment: experiences of incarcerated women in Belarus in the aftermath of the 2020 protests /
No full textState violence against Belarusian women involved in protest activities after the fraudulent presidential election in 2020 and onward has been unprecedented in the country’s history. Women’s activism has challenged the patriarchal authoritarian regime, which was ill-prepared to deal with women. However, after a short period of adaptation by the repressive institutions, women became their “special clients.” With reference to gender-sensitive academic research, we investigate diverse forms of state violence against women and analyze how they perceive their experiences of incarceration for political reasons. This article is based on available datasets, a series of nine semi-structured interviews, and insights from participant observation. The research reveals that Belarusian women incarcerated for political reasons fall under the “demanding clients” category: they comprehensively challenge the state-sponsored brutal patriarchy and expect the repressive apparatus to meet their specific needs. These women experience multidimensional physical discomfort and psychological pressure, including targeted offensive and dehumanizing elements. At the same time, incarcerated women do not feel ostracized by society; they share the feeling that their “crimes” are supported by civil society, and they endure the pains of punishment as targeted violence from a state fighting cynically for its own survival