The article addresses the issue of usefulness of pyramid and boat epistemological metaphors in the process of cognition in security sciences, with the aim of creating a coherent epistemological theory of subject security. This usefulness was examined for the sake of the basic components of epistemology: the truth and its sources, the scope of cognition, and the specificity of the subject of cognition – subject security. A deductive method with syllogistic drawing of conclusions leading to the solution of the general problem and the probability of the working hypothesis was used. As a result, it was established that understanding the truth and its sources, methods of finding the truth, and determining the scope of cognition of subject security are supported by an epistemology subordinated to the boat metaphor. This metaphor allows for a less fundamental, but more systemic, look at the subject security. The holistic nature of the boat metaphor results from the overlapping of concepts (parts of the planking) built on the skeleton, the core of which is formed by the axiology of the security of the subject (keel), and the shape is given by ontology, epistemology, and methodology of the security of the subject (frames) and paradigms (stringers).

The ongoing evolution in the military is adopted for the needs of the civilian environment. Implementation of an external function by the state requires securing primarily useful information. The evolving global security area is a complex asymmetric environment that is dominated by hybrid actions that meet the needs of foreign policy. An effective policy is the involvement of many state entities and the private sector, which, due to the tasks performed (each in terms of their competence), their competences, and above all operational capabilities, forms and methods used, obtain residual information. Analytical and study activities merge them into the final product which is the study submitted to authorized users. This multitude of entities with diverse areas of interest, only in combined actions are able to participate in shaping the state’s foreign policy.

Operational risk is linked to the domain of the national rescue and firefighting system’s operations, from its launch to the present day. The objective of the paper was to specify relations between operational risk and changes in the above mentioned domain. It was proven that the risk concerns hazards having their origin in the interior of the system, on an interface between the system interior and external environment and in the environment. Those threats defined the adaptation policy of the system and, consequently, the gradual expansion of the domain of activities performed within the national rescue and firefighting system. This has become particularly apparent in relation to emergency medical response, as well as rescue operations that involve radiation agents and hazardous biological agents. The results of the conducted research may be used to assess operational risks in relation to other operational systems of the Polish national security system, analyse the policy of their formation and predict changes related to contemporary challenges of the Polish national security (including the armed conflict in Ukraine).

Poland considers the Russian Federation as a major threat for its security; these fears have considerably increased since the Russian aggression against Ukraine in early 2022. This article analyses Russia’s policy towards Poland through the risk matrix, taking into account four elements: Poland’s assets, existing threats, vulnerabilities and finally countermeasures adopted by Poland. It focuses on four security sectors: military, economic, political, and societal. The risk of a full-scale military attack on Poland is possible, though a low intensity ‘hybrid’ conflict seems more probable. The overall dependence of the Polish economy on Russia (trade, foreign direct investments) is relatively narrow. However, the energy ties remain relatively strong, which constitutes a risk for Poland, especially since both EU and Russia strive to limit their cooperation in the field of energy. In the political sector, there is a high risk that Russia’s interference could contribute to the deconstruction of the existing political system based on European values, such as democracy and the rule of law. In the societal sector, the assessment of Poland’s vulnerability is not unanimous. Russia has failed to successfully fuel a Polish-Ukrainian societal conflict. Poland had to face however two refugee crises – on Belarussian (2021) and on the Ukrainian (2022) borders; in both cases they were at least indirectly provoked by the Russian Federation.

In the face of the rapidly changing landscape of armed conflicts around the world, particular attention is paid to the development and application of new forms of warfare, especially in the context of hybrid wars. A characteristic feature of these conflicts is the combination of traditional military methods with modern information and communication technologies, which poses complex challenges for international security. This article focuses on the new challenges posed by contemporary armed conflicts, particularly the hybrid war we are witnessing in Ukraine. The article emphasizes the significant role of advancing technology in hybrid warfare tactics, focusing on including communication and information technologies. These advances have facilitated cyberattacks, disinformation, and rapid coordination in military operations. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a case study, illustrating the use of digital technologies and cyberspace as the main battlefields, making it the first cyberwar on such a scale. The article also examines the broader implications of this warfighting tactic, particularly its impact on the international community and Poland. Due to Poland’s geopolitical situation, the conflict increases the risk of such cyberattacks, posing a significant threat to national security and social stability. The article aims to analyze the consequences of the challenges related to cybersecurity and hybrid warfare activities in Ukraine in the context of the public sector and society in Poland.

This scholarly investigation critically examines the determinants leading to shifts in U.S. foreign policy post the 2022 midterm elections. The research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of domestic political influences, consequential legislative shifts, and disparate stances adopted by different political actors. Through a meticulous inspection, it seeks to explicate potential repercussions of such alterations for NATO and European affiliates. The evolving U.S. position, and its impacts on the strategic geopolitical landscape, defense prerogatives, and alliance collaboration mechanisms are evaluated. The study further aims to deepen the understanding of the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy, accentuating the significant influence of political transitions on global alliances and strategic partnerships. Anticipated findings are projected to contribute to the academic literature on U.S. foreign policy dynamics and the subsequent implications for NATO and European counterparts. Additionally, valuable insights expected from this research may provide strategic guidance for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders vested in deciphering the complex relationships between domestic politics, midterm elections, and ensuing alterations in foreign policy. Ultimately, this study enriches the understanding of the evolving transatlantic scenario and the impact of political metamorphoses on international diplomacy and collaboration.

The purpose of the article is to consider the problems of self-perception and perception of life chances of the Russian ethnic minority in the context of the national security of Latvia. The concept of the humanitarian aspects of national security in Latvia is based on the normative understanding of the Latvian nation, the goals and objectives of nation building. In the situation of complex ethnic composition, the leading political forces of the country associate the guarantee of national security with the formation of a single national identity, which implies a subordinate position of the identity of ethnic minorities in relation to the identity of Latvians. At the same time, Latvian legislation contains norms on guaranteeing the equality of people regardless of their ethnic origin. Thus, the subordination of the identity of ethnic minorities in relation to the identity of ethnic Latvians should not lead to the subordination of the life chances of the ethnic majority and ethnic minorities. At the same time, the materials of a sociological study show that Russian youth perceive fewer opportunities for their life chances than they see among ethnic Latvians, which indicates a significant degree of insecurity among this groups of society.

The Central African region is known to be one of the most intensive growth and dangerous at same time regions in Africa. Therefore, this research focuses on the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to its large potential in mineral resources and aims to clarify the safety management situation at the mining industry. The paper examines the leading producer of copper in Africa and cobalt, situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nevertheless, it is also noted that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a high percentage of children exploiting the copper and cobalt mines, a phenomenon occasioned by the current social and economic inequalities experienced by the DRC. This study will help clarify the situation of safety management systems in the mining industry and can be used by companies entering the emerging market.

The Impact of the Activities of the Foundation for Aid to Widows and Orphans of Fallen Police Officers on Shaping the Organizational Culture of the Police and the Creation of its Media Image

The article aims to present the activities of the Foundation for Aid to Widows and Orphans of Fallen Police Officers (FPWiSPP) in terms of shaping organizational culture and creating the media image of the Police, taking into account theoretical aspects, the practical dimension and the effects of cooperation. Organizational culture and media image are of particular importance for the Police, both in terms of internal and external audiences. Very consistently and laboriously built can collapse in an instant as a result, for example, of a one-time crisis in the formation, both organizational and image. The reasons for the negative effects can vary, from improper selection of personnel and the training system, through unprofessional and irresponsible actions by male and female officers, to ill-considered and in autonomous decisions by the police management. Confidence in the service, its operating principles, and the values that should guide it, including equality before the law and principles, are crucial. Equally important should be the public perception of the formation, including in the media area, acting as a signpost for police managers, both in the service and civilian dimensions. Similarly, in the situation of undertaking indispensable cooperation with social organizations, associations and foundations, where cooperation with the FPWiSPP should undoubtedly play a special role.