Browsing by Author "Oancea, Marian"

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Hybrid Warfare through Interference in Electoral Processes Using Advanced Technology and Its Impact on Global Security. Case Study: The 2024 Romanian Presidential Election
(Sciendo, 2025) Gabor, Eugen; Oancea, Marian; Pripp, Vladimir
In the 21st century, the climate of the geopolitical arena is significantly more volatile than for most of the second half of the 20th century. Asymmetrical threats generated mainly but not exclusively by non-state entities compelled regional and worldwide forces to reevaluate their main security strategies. Moreover, several state entities that are highly relevant to managing global issues engaged in much more unpredictable behavior than usual. The spectacular technological developments of the last two decades, which seem to evolve in an exponential manner, created new tools for those who aim to alter the geostrategic status quo through hybrid warfare actions. The main goal of our study is to present some preliminary conclusions on the impact that the use of new technologies by hostile foreign forces in electoral processes can have on the institutional architecture that at least in some parts of the globe managed to ensure a stable and secure environment for several decades. These conclusions are drawn through a case study that analyzes the recent annulment of the first round of the Romanian presidential election. Although many details of this event are not yet clarified, at least for public opinion, the available information clearly suggests that hybrid warfare through new technologies is able to create mistrust and sever links that are vital for ensuring stability both at a national and international level. The Romanian case proves that the main objective of interferences in elections is not always that of helping a certain candidate to win but creating chaos.
Regional Evolution of the ICT Sector in the European Union: Insights and Trends
(Editura Universitaria Craiova, 2023) Gabor, Eugen; Oancea, Marian; Pripp, Vladimir
The development of the digital sector is seen as essential for the future of the European Union not only by the European authorities but also by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national political parties, representatives of the business sector, social activists, or regular citizens. This approach is reflected, among others, in several details of the NextGeneration EU recovery instrument meant to create economic and social stability in the member states after the coronavirus pandemic, which represented one of the grimmest phases in the recent history of the continent. The funds directed towards enhancing the process of digitalization should reduce the development gap that exists at a regional level in the EU. But how profound is this gap, and what are the factors that generate and perpetuate it? The present study shapes answers to these questions by focusing on four regions that include all 27 member countries in the EU: Western Europe, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe. The analyzed period is mainly 2018-2022, covering the last two years before the COVID-19 outbreak, the pandemic, and its aftermath. We take into account elements like internet accessibility, the share of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), other economic particularities, the development of e-commerce, or the level of digital literacy. Our conclusions suggest that the importance of historical factors is at times diluted by strategic decisions implemented by governments. The evolution of the ICT sector is seen in numerous countries as a key element in establishing much-needed political, economic, and social resilience.
The Impact of Deep Fakes in the Age of Populism and Post-Democracy
(Editura Universitaria Craiova, 2024) Gabor, Eugen; Oancea, Marian; Pripp, Vladimir
In 2024, almost half of the world’s population participated in electoral processes or is due to vote. The United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), or India are among the democratic entities which organize elections in 2024. Citizens from autocracies like the Russian Federation are also summoned to express their options at the polls, although in their cases the proceedings are obviously flawed. Disinformation can manipulate outcomes both in liberal democracies and in hybrid regimes. In this context, our endeavor tries to analyze the impact of deep fakes on elections, in particular, and on political phenomena in general. A new remarkable tool, created with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is weaponized by various politicians. Thus, an already worrying process of democratic backsliding seems to be accelerating. Both populist and non-populist politicians are using deep fakes in order to create unfair competitive advantages. Through several case studies, we describe and explain the influence of deep fakes on political developments. We highlight that populist groups can benefit from the politic al instrumentalization of deep fakes. Nevertheless, AI’s dark side offers opportunities for politicians that are outside of the populist sphere too. Overall, the phenomenon described by Colin Crouch as post-democracy seems to be enhanced by the evolutions we describe. Reversing this trend would require both regulations from the authorities and a reconstruction of the public’s trust in political mechanisms.