Editorial – Contemporary security challenges

By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Juelda LAMÇE

Editorial

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the significance of discussing and understanding security issues cannot be overstated—particularly as countries like Albania confront a multitude of security challenges. This discourse not only informs but also engages the public and policymakers, fostering a broader understanding of the complexities that nations face in maintaining stability and safety. It helps to better appreciate the nuances of the security strategies that nations must adopt, amidst threats that range from traditional military confrontations to modern challenges like cyber threats, environmental crises, and socio-economic disparities.
Security challenges have evolved from the traditional state-based conflicts to a much wider and more complex range of threats. Today’s critical security concerns include geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity threats, criminal organizations, and nuclear proliferation, alongside issues such as health, poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity. Addressing these challenges to ensure the stability, prosperity, and well-being of nations and individuals demands a multifaceted approach that extends beyond military solutions. Such an approach includes diplomatic, economic, and developmental strategies, as well as increased
international cooperation.
This edition encompasses not only stimulating reflections on national, regional, international and global security issues on both historical and contemporary background, but other valuable contributions on related fields as well. On the historic and theoretic background, the analyses of the Regional Security Complex Theory are scrutinized through Japan’s rise in the Asia Pacific region (1931-1945) and the changed dynamics of the security complex in the region. Over the past decades, the Western Balkans Region has experienced a dramatic transformation in its geopolitical, security, and defense landscape. Particular attention in this edition is paid to Kosovo’s national security, as Europe’s youngest nation. Specifically, the influence of international actors and frameworks, including NATO and the EU, in shaping Kosovo’s security policies and practices. Political instability, economic underdevelopment, and lingering effects of ethnic tensions are considered among the main factors affecting its stability. The importance of alliances in the security environment is highlighted by NATO’s role in safeguarding the security of Western democracies. Additional contributions address contemporary challenges, such as energy security threats, and the stability of the banking and financial system. The first one, focuses on Albania’s strategy toward green renewable energy and achieving energy self-sufficiency, while the latter examines innovative financial instruments such as the “Convertible Contingent Bonds” and their potential to create a safer and more stable environment in the banking sector.
As we navigate a world marked by complex and multifaceted security challenges, the insights gathered in this edition underscore the critical need for comprehensive approaches to ensure regional and global stability. The diverse perspectives offered highlight both historical lessons and forward-looking strategies, emphasizing the necessity of international alliances and innovative policies in addressing current and emerging threats. Ultimately, this edition aims to inspire continued dialogue and collaboration among nations, fostering a secure and sustainable future for all.