The Institute for National and International Security (INIS) is pleased to announce the successful participation of its Senior Research Fellows at two major events held in Bucharest between 12 and 14 November 2025, focused on the evolving challenges of modern security, hybrid warfare, and strategic resilience.

Launch of Cognitive Informational Warfare by Prof. Dr. Iulian Chifu

On 12 November, Senior Research Fellow Prof. Dr. Iulian Chifu presented his new book, Cognitive Informational Warfare, an essential contribution to understanding the shifting nature of contemporary conflict. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how warfare has moved from traditional kinetic domains into the informational and cognitive spaces, where perceptions, narratives, and decision-making processes become primary targets.

Prof. Chifu offers a detailed examination of how state and non-state actors weaponize information, conduct psychological operations, manipulate public opinion, and exploit systemic vulnerabilities within democratic societies. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, deep-fake systems, algorithmic targeting, and social media ecosystems—in enabling influence operations at unprecedented scale.

This publication represents a significant contribution to modern security studies. It serves as a strategic resource for policymakers, intelligence services, defence experts, and academic institutions committed to strengthening societal and institutional resilience.

INIS Participation at the Romanian Military Thinking Conference 2025 (13–14 November)

The Romanian Military Thinking Conference 2025, hosted by the General Staff of the Romanian Armed Forces (GMR), brought together leading military professionals, policymakers, and researchers under the central theme:

“Strategic Resilience and National Defence: From Planning to Implementation.”

This year’s conference took place during a period of profound geopolitical instability, marked above all by Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the intensification of Russian hybrid operations across Europe. Cyber-attacks, influence campaigns, energy manipulation, and attempts to undermine democratic institutions were key issues addressed during the event.

As a frontline NATO member on the Black Sea, Romania plays a critical role in strengthening regional security, and this conference reaffirmed its commitment to promoting strategic cooperation, deterrence, and resilience across Southeast Europe.

Contributions of INIS Senior Research Fellows

INIS was represented at the conference by three distinguished Senior Research Fellows:

• Prof. Dr. Iulian Chifu

Provided expert analysis on Euro-Atlantic security, crisis management, and cognitive warfare, with particular attention to Russia’s disinformation networks and influence strategies.

• Prof. Dr. Omar Ashour

Contributed high-level insights in the fields of security sector reform, radicalisation, and modern military transformation, underscoring the human-centred dimension of operational readiness.

• Prof. Dr. Darko Trifunović

Presented a comprehensive overview of hybrid threats and regional security dynamics in Southeast Europe, highlighting vulnerabilities exploited by Russian intelligence structures, influence operations, and destabilization networks across the Balkans.

Their joint participation elevated the strategic depth of the conference and underscored the importance of integrating Balkan, Middle Eastern, and European perspectives into broader Euro-Atlantic security planning.

Strategic Importance for INIS

The presence of INIS Senior Research Fellows at these events reinforces our institution’s commitment to:

·       advancing interdisciplinary security research,

·       supporting regional and Euro-Atlantic cooperation,

·       strengthening resilience against hybrid threats, disinformation, and cognitive warfare,

·       and contributing to defence education and strategic analysis at the international level.

INIS will continue to expand its partnerships, develop collaborative research, and participate in high-level forums that shape the future of international security.

INIS – Institute for National and International Security

Dedicated to excellence in research, strategic analysis, and global cooperation in the field of security studies.