Defence and strategy

Kadir Alpaslan DEMIR

Killer robots or lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) have been the focus of an ongoing debate. In due time, wars will be fought with a military force including human warriors, drones, and robot warriors. In this study, we discuss armed forces transformation issues for the robotic era. Furthermore, we present a basic model outlining the transformation process. Finally, we provide a set of recommendations to policymakers and military officials for managing the transformation of armed forces for the robotic era.

The Case of the Benešov Hospital Hit by Ryuk Ransomware, and Lessons Learned

Ondřej FILIPEC, David PLÁŠIL

This article is dealing mainly with cybersecurity of healthcare with a special emphasis on the Benešov hospital (Czech Republic), which was hit by the Ryuk ransomware virus. The case shows that even a well-managed middle-size hospital with a relatively good level of cybersecurity might be significantly hit by the attack. The article first explores the general context of cybersecurity of healthcare with reference to the forms of cyber-attacks involving ransomware and then explores the case of the Benešov hospital (Hospital of Rudolf and Stefanie). The main aim of this article is to derive lessons learned from the case, which might be well used for the management of further incidents of similar nature, which is increasingly important at the times of fight with COVID-19 infection creating new pressure on the system.

Discussion of Possible Implications and Threats

Vojtěch BAHENSKÝ

The article discusses the implications of a potential outbreak of high-intensity violent conflict between the United States and China in Pacific for the defence of NATO’s eastern flank. It identifies limits of American ability to simultaneously project force to two distant regions as potentially critical weakness in case of concurrent conflict in Asia and threat to the eastern flank.

Muslim Community Leader’s Perspectives on Jihad

Karel ČERNÝ, Jiřina STEHLÍKOVÁ

The paper uncovers how the Czech Muslim community leaders interpret meaning of jihad, and focuses on the question how to deal with a possible radical inside their ranks. It is based on interviews and qualitative methodology. Two interpretations of jihad have been identified: a narrow one focusing on a violent aspect of the concept, and a broad one focusing on non-violent ones. There are two competing narrations regarding the question if there is any authority legitimate to issue jihad, however there is a tendency to see a defensive jihad as a legitimate one.

Examples of Asian States

Ladislav KULHÁNEK

The study analyses the implications and seeks linkages between North Korea's weaponization and selected allied states on the commercial level, which is assessed in the context of economics, technology, political situation, power issues and security. The actors analysed are dependent on foreign aid, particularly North Korean aid, despite the strong motivational tendencies and the resources invested in both missile and nuclear programmes.