Security, existence, threat. Relational typology and conclusions for crisis management theory

Paper presents typology of security build on theory of relation in terms of methodology of pragmatic functionalism. It was divided on two perspectives: subjective and objective one. Author explains possibility of forming complex theories as well. Attention was also drawn to conclusions for theory of crisis management.

The European Union needs quick and effective support provided in the event of cross-border crises. Following a few dramatic crisis situations such as terrorist attacks, not long after the Member States had to face forest fires, floods or earthquakes. This is when the EU Member States saw the need for joint action in crisis situations. Crisis management ceased to be considered as competences of Member States. It was realized that a joint and coordinated response to crisis situations brings better effects than if a Member State was to tackle them itself.

The active phase of hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation which was started from the illegal annexation of Crimea and occupation of the several regions of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in 2014 has been accompanied by massive information and disinformation campaigns against Ukraine launched by the aggressor. They were accompanied by spreading fakes, deepfakes, propaganda messages, and manipulations.

Crisis Management in Times of Epidemics a Restriction of Human and Civil Liberties and Rights

The aim of this arcticle is to indicate how the epidemic threat may affect the crisis management, mainly in the administrative terms. The subject of the study covers the definition of the principles of crisis management and possible restrictions on human and civil liberties and rights at the time of an epidemic threat. The analysis of the topic will allow to answer the questions: “is the public administration able to ensure the safety of citizens in times of epidemics?” and “do the current and so far introduced legal regulations in connection with the coronavirus epidemic significantly restrict the rights and freedoms of citizens?”.The first part of the work presents issues related to crisis management and public safety. In the second, the rules of managing national security due to the spread of the coronavirus will be discussed.

As a long-term researcher and active participant in the rescue and humanitarian international aid coordination action, the author undertakes the analysis of changes that have occurred since the inception of the legal basis and international crisis coordination structures, focusing on the increasing role of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The material contains not only the analysis of normative documents and a comprehensive description of the pillars of European civil protection but also practical examples of the European mechanism’s increasing involvement in actions outside the Union over two decades and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article contains examples of material and hardware-based humanitarian aid implemented for Ukraine and a comprehensive systemic approach to Polish civil protection represented by the State Fire Service in preparation for Ukrainian representatives to be familiar with the European Civil Protection mechanism. Numerous examples of activating the mechanism from the Polish perspective are shown both from the perspective of the aid recipient (fire in Biebrza National Park in 2020) and the donor (Lebanon blast in 2020, earthquake in Nepal 2015, forest fires in France 2022 or support to Ukraine).

Among current global threats, the risk of developing an emergency requires a comprehensive approach from all entities involved in crisis management. Despite the advanced technologies available to predict each threat, taking appropriate countermeasures is often impossible. Often the best solution is to prepare in advance and act efficiently after the occurrence of a given threat event. It is also crucial to implement the latest methods and solutions that allow for better preparation and response in case of an emergency. This article presents the results of the analysis of the use of modern satellite systems aimed at, among others, improving security in the event of armed conflicts and crises. This perspective is written for two reasons. Foremost is to present the potential of the existing Polish security system, which aims to reduce the risks and minimise the problems of crisis management associated with natural disasters. Secondly, to foster a discussion and create a basis for exchanging information and advances within the countries implementing similar solutions. It is especially crucial in joint actions with neighbouring countries in case of emergencies and disasters in border areas.

The article presents conclusions (theses) from research in the area of crisis management systems. The first part presents the issues of system definition, crisis management, and the crisis management system. In the following part, the concept of a control and command system in crisis management is defined as a project for further discussion among scientists dealing with crisis management. The principles of coordination, synchronization and cooperation in crisis management are also discussed. The aim of the research was to define the elements (subsystems) of the control and command system in crisis management. The following question was posed as the main research problem: ‘What elements (subsystems) should form a control and command system in crisis management to ensure its efficient functioning?’ The article presents the results of the research.

The objective of this article is to point to legal foundations of the crisis management system and to specify principles it is built on, its actors, their competences, mechanisms of cooperation and coordination and principles for financing crisis management tasks. The author places special emphasis on the need to observe human rights and freedoms in the context of actions taken by the state that aim to ensure security and to create an effective crisis management system. The starting point for this discussion is an assumption that security-related problems affect the entire society whereby this society has the right and obligation to participate in efforts to ensure security. At the same time, institutional mechanisms of ensuring security only use participation of institutions by various kinds of interrelations and support. This article shows certain mechanisms of building national security by state bodies and institutions that are responsible for it and competent to respond in crisis situations. How-ever, the exegesis covers participation of the armed forces and legal aspects of employing the Polish Armed Forces in the event of non-military threats.

The authors’ purpose in this article is to present the way in which strategic leaders may use analytical tools to operate during crisis. Their actions is based on the idea of six main tasks, the so-called “Six Makings”, that they have to accomplish. The idea of “critical tasks during crisis was presented on the basis of the COVID-19 situation in Poland and the activities carried out by the Polish government and the Polish Health-care System (Strategic Leaders) to neutralize the negative effects of the pandemic, protect the health and lives of citizens, and care for the economic situation. Qualitative data analysis techniques were used in the research process. The authors concluded that in times of crisis, citizens rely on their leaders and believe that they will ensure their security and a swift return to customary. Strategic leaders must guarantee that the organizations and stakeholders they lead are prepared to counter the future challenges — foreseen and unforeseen alike. The “Six Makings” analytical tool, properly used, could significantly improve the accuracy of decisions made and increase the effectiveness of actions taken.

Risk assessment in the crisis management system plays a crucial role in identifying and minimizing threats to national security. The risk assessment process is influenced by several different elements, which include legislation, organizational structures, and threats to the state’s functioning. This article aims to assess the methodology for determining risk for the needs of the crisis management system in Poland. Based on the results, original solutions in this area were presented. The main conclusion is that, despite the establishment of the Government Centre for Security, which was a breakthrough in terms of building an effective and comprehensive crisis management system and the fact that the Act of 26 April 2007 on crisis management is in force in Poland, there is a need to broaden the concept of risk and improve risk assessment methods in crisis management so that national security is at the highest possible level.

The article presents a report on the research conducted on tasks assigned to the Territorial Defence Forces within the framework of crisis management. The aim of the research was to determine the tasks imposed on the TDF soldiers by national legal acts and directive documents. The solution to the problem required the application of research methods such as the analysis and assessment of open sources of information, including legal acts, subject literature, and data provided by public administration and the Polish Armed Forces. Generalization, analogy, abstraction, and inference were also employed. The final outcome of the research was the identification of tasks carried out by the TDF command, acting as the Crisis Management Centre of the Ministry of National Defence, the TDF Commander as the Chief of the CM Centre at the MOD, the TDF brigade, and the soldiers themselves.

Difficult conversations with young people about war

The aim of the article is to analyse the most important challenges faced by parents, guardians, educators, teachers, and psychologists in communicating with Ukrainian youth after the start of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Selected good practices of educational, pedagogical, and psychological institutions, organisations and scientific research centres in Poland supporting the mental health, well-being and promoting intercultural integration of Ukrainian adolescents residing in Poland were identified. Using individual, semi-structured interviews, barriers and facilitators to communication and integration of Ukrainian teenagers with their Polish peers were also explored. The conducted analysis confirmed the necessity of addressing the topic of war in discussions with young people, considering their psychological needs and perceptual capabilities. Systemic solutions are needed to educate them in the field of information security and intercultural dialogue, and to intensify activities increasing the social inclusion of teenage refugees from Ukraine in Poland.