The Defence Horizon Journal - Podcasts Archiv

This paper examines why militarily advanced states often fail to achieve their objectives through foreign policy efforts despite possessing superior forces relative to an adversary. Based on a political-strategic model, this research argues that the political legitimacy of a state with respect to its decision-making and level of strategic coherence will determine whether or not the state realises its intended objectives in conflict, whereas military capabilities are found to be less relevant than previously assumed. The research employs theoretical and conceptual arguments to provide empirical support for the claim that military defeat may result from weak political legitimacy, ambiguous objectives, dysfunctional relationships between civilian and military authorities, and a lack of flexibility in strategy formulation by a state's leaders.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Recent conflicts underscore the practical relevance of simulation-based and gamified approaches to military training. From the use of commercial platforms for pilot familiarisation to incentive-based systems for drone operators in Ukraine, gamified logic is increasingly shaping how military personnel train, adapt, and perform under operational conditions. Based on an exploratory field trial and drawing on the long-standing educational mandate attributed to Maria Theresa, this study frames gamification not as a technological novelty but as a contemporary medium for experiential learning. For the trial, officer cadets participated in competitive tactical scenarios using a commercial PC-based simulation (WARNO). Repeated questionnaires, an intermediate diagnostic intervention, and qualitative experiential reports were used to examine learning effects, including decision-making under time pressure, understanding of combined arms operations, and the role of structured reflection.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

This paper examines how external security cooperation (SC) can reshape the political economies of fragile states. Often framed as a neutral transfer of training and equipment, SC is inherently political-economic, redistributing rents, reconfiguring authority, and altering elite bargains. The paper advances a four-mechanism framework—patronage, veto players, deterritorialisation of authority, and legitimacy—to explain how assistance can produce political dislocation, where formal capacity increases while social legitimacy erodes. Drawing on cases from South Vietnam, Afghanistan, and West Africa, it shows how technocratic reforms are absorbed into patron-client networks, empower spoilers, and weaken accountability. The paper concludes that durable outcomes depend less on aid volume than on aligning programs with political realities and prioritising legitimacy alongside capacity.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Cornered by the U.S.-Israel airstrikes and left vulnerable by a mass uprising in early 2026, the Islamic regime in Iran will go through certain internal changes. These changes might weaken Tehran’s grip over the region. In this backdrop, its relation with neighbours, including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, will shift. While India will be hoping for the emergence of a moderate regime that is open to talks with the USA, Pakistan will be hoping for a strong regime in Tehran that can put a hold on Baloch militants. On the other hand, an economically and militarily weaker government in Iran will be more inclined to cooperate with Afghanistan’s Taliban government on various issues, ranging from opium trade to water sharing.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Die „Donroe-Doktrin“ steht für eine außenpolitische Ordnung, in der nationale Macht über das Völkerrecht und den Multilateralismus gestellt wird. Die USA beanspruchen Einflusszonen und definieren internationale Führung primär über militärische Stärke und exekutive Handlungsfreiheit. Europa verliert in diesem Ansatz an strategischem Gewicht und wird zunehmend als Hindernis wahrgenommen.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

U.S. security cooperation analysis relies heavily on deductive frameworks such as PMESII-PT and DOTMLPF-P to impose structure and comparability across complex operational environments. While these models offer analytic discipline, they often embed linear assumptions that distort political and social realities in fragile or contested settings. However, effectiveness in security cooperation depends less on deductive coherence than on inductive adaptability. Deductive tools remain valuable, but only when subordinated to inductive insight. Rebalancing operational analysis toward induction improves adaptability, reduces analytic bias, and supports more durable security outcomes.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

This article examines how Rudra Brigades operationalise India’s evolving Dynamic Response Strategy by integrating speed, precision, and jointness at the brigade level. It situates these formations within India’s broader theatreisation and force-restructuring agenda, as validated through recent exercises and operations. The analysis highlights how this shift compresses warning times, expands conventional response options, and alters crisis dynamics in South Asia. For Pakistan, the emergence of such high-readiness formations underscores the need to adapt deterrence, force posture, and crisis-management mechanisms to a changing regional security environment.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Marking its 20th anniversary in 2025, the European Security and Defence College reflects on its evolution from eight courses in 2005 to over 150 annually. This paper outlines a strategic vision for the ESDC’s future, structured around four pillars: alignment with Member States’ priorities, innovation in training, strengthening global partnerships, and deepening cooperation with Ukraine. Amid growing geopolitical challenges, the ESDC aims to enhance adaptability, quality assurance, and standardisation across its vast network. Central to this vision is the belief that the ESDC’s enduring success rests on the strength and expertise of its collaborative network.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

Disinformation, amplified by algorithms and AI, undermines trust in institutions and fuels social polarisation. While major disinformation campaigns exist, their real impact on opinion formation and democratic processes remains empirically uncertain. The greater danger lies in the exaggerated perception of disinformation’s power, which, in turn, erodes public trust. Comparative studies reveal that low media and digital literacy correlate strongly with societal vulnerability to false information. Effective responses thus require realism rather than panic: promoting critical thinking, media and AI literacy, and transparent digital governance. Ultimately, combating disinformation means strengthening trust, not amplifying fear.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

In an era marked by enhanced democratic backsliding worldwide, access to independent, reliable information becomes even more vital for democracy and must be protected – and promoted. However, the pluralistic and independent nature of the information environment is increasingly constrained by economic pressures on independent media outlets and by the growing prevalence of disinformation. Against this backdrop, this article explores how media support can be ensured as a strategic element in safeguarding information integrity and democratic resilience during times of crisis. Outlining the work of the Team Europe Democracy (TED) Initiative on information integrity shows that breaking down silos, enforcing multistakeholder engagement, and mainstreaming information integrity across sectors are essential steps forward.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

AI systems have transformed cyber defence by enabling self-protecting, self-healing, and predictive defence systems, but they also transform cyberattacks by opening new attack vectors and supporting advanced cyber offensive capabilities. This article examines how AI is leveraged in cyberattacks and operations, with selected examples of the “big four” states adversarial to the Western alliances—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The use of ever-improving AI-augmented cyberattack capabilities increases the risks of escalation and destabilisation in international peace and security. The UN has addressed several gaps in multilateral governance, while like-minded minilateral coalitions are instrumental for norm-setting and operational guardrails. However, these laudable efforts will have a limited impact as long as the main AI cyber powers are either unwilling or unlikely to allow their AI capabilities to be meaningfully constrained.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

AI systems have transformed cyber defence by enabling self-protecting, self-healing, and predictive defence systems, but they also transform cyberattacks by opening new attack vectors and supporting advanced cyber offensive capabilities. This article examines how AI is leveraged in cyberattacks and operations, with selected examples of the “big four” states adversarial to the Western alliances—China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The use of ever-improving AI-augmented cyberattack capabilities increases the risks of escalation and destabilisation in international peace and security. The UN has addressed several gaps in multilateral governance, while like-minded minilateral coalitions are instrumental for norm-setting and operational guardrails. However, these laudable efforts will have a limited impact as long as the main AI cyber powers are either unwilling or unlikely to allow their AI capabilities to be meaningfully constrained.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

The article contends that security is now defined as much by protecting cognition as by defending machines or borders, with hybrid threats targeting both technological systems and human perception through advanced AI, deepfakes, and automated manipulation tools. As AI becomes integral to defence, the article emphasises the necessity of rigorous, ethical governance guided by frameworks such as NIST and UNESCO to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. It highlights the rise of cognitive encryption and self-learning AI as key to proactively defending against narrative manipulation, bias, and emerging hybrid threats, arguing that responsible innovation, which is grounded in ethical principles and continuous oversight, is vital for maintaining both national sovereignty and the integrity of human judgment in a world where defence must bridge the gap between technology and the human mind.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal

The article contends that security is now defined as much by protecting cognition as by defending machines or borders, with hybrid threats targeting both technological systems and human perception through advanced AI, deepfakes, and automated manipulation tools. As AI becomes integral to defence, the article emphasises the necessity of rigorous, ethical governance guided by frameworks such as NIST and UNESCO to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. It highlights the rise of cognitive encryption and self-learning AI as key to proactively defending against narrative manipulation, bias, and emerging hybrid threats, arguing that responsible innovation, which is grounded in ethical principles and continuous oversight, is vital for maintaining both national sovereignty and the integrity of human judgment in a world where defence must bridge the gap between technology and the human mind.

»» TDHJ ««

» patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedefencehorizon

» donate: https://tdhj.org/about/#donation

»» HOME ««

» https://tdhj.org/

»» SOCIAL MEDIA ««

» X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/HorizonDefence

» Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedefencehorizon.org

» Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefencehorizonjournal/

» LinkedIn: The Defence Horizon Journal