The Russian Approach to Information WarfareJeffrey Malone
This is a modified version of a lecture from the unit that I teach (ZEIT 8115 - Information Operations) in the Masters of System Engineering Course at the School of Engineering and IT, Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW). I have posted this as - arising out of unfolding events in Ukraine - this topic is of broader interest.
Is cyber warfare a relevant part of the political agenda of international relations?
With the growing importance of cyberspace and spurt in frequency of cyber-attacks it is gaining strategic value and is increasingly finding greater attention in various policies and planning of governments’ world over. With over two billion people using the internet and a 480% growth in the number since the year 2000 it is now relevant to relook at the previous assumptions and predictions made by academicians and experts and analyse how far have their studies been validated.
Moreover, due to the unique features that differentiate cyberspace and cyber-war from conventional political space and kinetic war, it will be useful to try and predict the future implications they will have on world politics.
China's growing economy and military modernization pose rising threats to U.S. national security. [1] China is enhancing its strategic nuclear strike capabilities, developing anti-access/area denial weapons, and acquiring advanced technologies like anti-satellite weapons, threatening U.S. dominance in space. [2] China is also pursuing cyber warfare capabilities through computer network intrusions to gather military and strategic information. [3] These modernization efforts aim to counter U.S. forces and prepare for a possible conflict over Taiwan, challenging U.S. interests in the region.
The document discusses the rise of cyberpower and its implications. It begins by noting the first computer in 1946 and the changes computers have brought about rapidly yet with implications not fully understood. It then defines key terms like cyberspace, cyberpower, and cyber war. It describes characteristics of cyberspace like its pervasiveness. It discusses cybersecurity challenges like attribution of attacks. It analyzes whether cyberattacks constitute a new form of war and notes challenges of cyberattacks. It explores whether cyberpower represents a 21st century revolution in military affairs and how it could recast international politics and change the character of war through greater efficiencies.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. Remain until police arrive.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Provide aid to others if trained.
- Pull vehicles to the side of the road so they are not a hazard.
- Obtain contact and insurance information from all other drivers and witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, and anything relevant.
- File a police report if requested and do not admit fault for the accident.
This document discusses the need for the U.S. Army to develop operationally significant mobile protected forces capable of vertical envelopment before 2010 in order to overcome adversaries' enhanced defensive capabilities resulting from the Precision Firepower Military Technical Revolution. It argues that precision strike technologies will soon provide opponents the means to conduct rapid, decisive attacks similar to recent U.S. models. To restore the balance between fire and maneuver, the Army must create Precision Maneuver forces that combine situational awareness, precision fires, and vertical envelopment through air-mechanization. The document proposes reinventing the XVIII Airborne Corps as the initial testbed for such a Precision Maneuver rapid reaction corps.
Vertical Geopolitics: The Underground as TargetStephen Graham
This document discusses the concept of "vertical geopolitics" and the targeting of underground spaces. It notes that geopolitics traditionally ignores the vertical dimension. However, underground spaces have become increasingly important due to factors like urban warfare, border tunnels, and efforts by adversaries to evade aerial surveillance and attacks.
The US has developed extensive capabilities for penetrating underground facilities, including advanced sensors, bunker-busting bombs, and proposals for low-yield nuclear weapons. However, targeting underground sites risks catastrophic consequences from radioactive fallout.
There is a need for a "critical, vertical geopolitics" that examines the interaction between US/allied vertical dominance above ground and underground activities by those deemed illegitimate
The Russian Approach to Information WarfareJeffrey Malone
This is a modified version of a lecture from the unit that I teach (ZEIT 8115 - Information Operations) in the Masters of System Engineering Course at the School of Engineering and IT, Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW). I have posted this as - arising out of unfolding events in Ukraine - this topic is of broader interest.
Is cyber warfare a relevant part of the political agenda of international relations?
With the growing importance of cyberspace and spurt in frequency of cyber-attacks it is gaining strategic value and is increasingly finding greater attention in various policies and planning of governments’ world over. With over two billion people using the internet and a 480% growth in the number since the year 2000 it is now relevant to relook at the previous assumptions and predictions made by academicians and experts and analyse how far have their studies been validated.
Moreover, due to the unique features that differentiate cyberspace and cyber-war from conventional political space and kinetic war, it will be useful to try and predict the future implications they will have on world politics.
China's growing economy and military modernization pose rising threats to U.S. national security. [1] China is enhancing its strategic nuclear strike capabilities, developing anti-access/area denial weapons, and acquiring advanced technologies like anti-satellite weapons, threatening U.S. dominance in space. [2] China is also pursuing cyber warfare capabilities through computer network intrusions to gather military and strategic information. [3] These modernization efforts aim to counter U.S. forces and prepare for a possible conflict over Taiwan, challenging U.S. interests in the region.
The document discusses the rise of cyberpower and its implications. It begins by noting the first computer in 1946 and the changes computers have brought about rapidly yet with implications not fully understood. It then defines key terms like cyberspace, cyberpower, and cyber war. It describes characteristics of cyberspace like its pervasiveness. It discusses cybersecurity challenges like attribution of attacks. It analyzes whether cyberattacks constitute a new form of war and notes challenges of cyberattacks. It explores whether cyberpower represents a 21st century revolution in military affairs and how it could recast international politics and change the character of war through greater efficiencies.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident. Remain until police arrive.
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Provide aid to others if trained.
- Pull vehicles to the side of the road so they are not a hazard.
- Obtain contact and insurance information from all other drivers and witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, and anything relevant.
- File a police report if requested and do not admit fault for the accident.
This document discusses the need for the U.S. Army to develop operationally significant mobile protected forces capable of vertical envelopment before 2010 in order to overcome adversaries' enhanced defensive capabilities resulting from the Precision Firepower Military Technical Revolution. It argues that precision strike technologies will soon provide opponents the means to conduct rapid, decisive attacks similar to recent U.S. models. To restore the balance between fire and maneuver, the Army must create Precision Maneuver forces that combine situational awareness, precision fires, and vertical envelopment through air-mechanization. The document proposes reinventing the XVIII Airborne Corps as the initial testbed for such a Precision Maneuver rapid reaction corps.
Vertical Geopolitics: The Underground as TargetStephen Graham
This document discusses the concept of "vertical geopolitics" and the targeting of underground spaces. It notes that geopolitics traditionally ignores the vertical dimension. However, underground spaces have become increasingly important due to factors like urban warfare, border tunnels, and efforts by adversaries to evade aerial surveillance and attacks.
The US has developed extensive capabilities for penetrating underground facilities, including advanced sensors, bunker-busting bombs, and proposals for low-yield nuclear weapons. However, targeting underground sites risks catastrophic consequences from radioactive fallout.
There is a need for a "critical, vertical geopolitics" that examines the interaction between US/allied vertical dominance above ground and underground activities by those deemed illegitimate
Sun Tzu was a Chinese military strategist who lived in the 5th century BC and authored the classic work "The Art of War", covering military strategy and tactics. Some key points from the document include:
- "The Art of War" outlines principles of strategy, tactics, troop management, and planning that have influenced military and business thinking across East Asia and the Western world.
- It emphasizes factors like positioning, planning, and understanding the enemy as being essential for victory in warfare. Tactics discussed include flexible formations and exploiting weaknesses.
- Sun Tzu's teachings stress careful assessment, avoiding direct confrontation of strength, using deception, and winning without battle through strategic advantage. His work continues to be studied for insights
The document discusses China's growing military capabilities and its potential future relationship with the United States. It notes China has significantly modernized its military and increased spending, focusing on technologies like space weapons, submarines, and precision weapons. While conflict is not inevitable, the document asserts the possibility of strategic conflict between the US and China cannot be ruled out, especially given China's emphasis on asymmetric and hybrid warfare approaches. Whether China becomes a friend or foe to the US will depend on factors like economic ties and China's internal political and economic development.
The document summarizes China's evolving military capabilities under Xi Jinping's "China Dream" of national rejuvenation. It describes China's growing regional military reach inside the "Greater Asian box" through new weapons systems, and potential for global power projection outside Asia through aircraft carriers, strategic bombers, and nuclear-armed allies/proxies. It also highlights emerging power projection assets like amphibious systems and airlift capabilities that could support expeditionary operations.
This document discusses the initial impacts and development of nuclear weapons and strategy between major powers from 1945-1980s. It covers topics like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, calls for international control over nuclear weapons, the failed Baruch Plan, doctrines of massive retaliation and mutual assured destruction, flexible response strategies, and programs like the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and Strategic Defense Initiative. The overall nuclear arms race and strategies are analyzed from the perspective of the US, USSR, and other involved countries.
Authors’ note:
A lot has happened in the last 5 days since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine on the 24th February 2022. In my bulletin I aim to conclude and share the information what I have gathered either through the support of the European Cyber Community or through my discussions with current and former members of armed forces in Europe. As my main profession – raising cyber resilience for organizations and nations to resist large scale cyber and hybrid incidents – requires me to holistically analyze the impact of multiple events happening parallel, I will not only focus on the cyber space aspect, but overall. For the strictly military movement timeline and events or ongoing fights there are many trustworthy resources out there, hence I will not put focus on that. This is not a study, I will not provide links and references. Many of the information you can simply search for, some or relying on personal discussions with subject matter experts.
Finally, everything written here is reflecting my own personal view.
This document discusses future threats to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and challenges to C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems. It identifies Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen as major threats due to Iran's nuclear program, missile buildup, use of proxies, and influence over Iraq. It recommends acknowledging Iran as a threat, monitoring its compliance with nuclear deals, and countering its propaganda. It also suggests improving surveillance of territories to detect terrorist activities and vigilance against threats spilling over from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The document concludes C4ISR systems need to be assessed and upgraded to integrate all domains and latest technologies to address
The Rise and Fall of Ponzi Schemes in America.pptxDiana Rose
Ponzi schemes, a notorious form of financial fraud, have plagued America’s investment landscape for decades. Named after Charles Ponzi, who orchestrated one of the most infamous schemes in the early 20th century, these fraudulent operations promise high returns with little or no risk, only to collapse and leave investors with significant losses. This article explores the nature of Ponzi schemes, notable cases in American history, their impact on victims, and measures to prevent falling prey to such scams.
Understanding Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is an investment scam where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital from newer investors, rather than from legitimate profit earned. The scheme relies on a constant influx of new investments to continue paying the promised returns. Eventually, when the flow of new money slows down or stops, the scheme collapses, leaving the majority of investors with substantial financial losses.
Historical Context: Charles Ponzi and His Legacy
Charles Ponzi is the namesake of this deceptive practice. In the 1920s, Ponzi promised investors in Boston a 50% return within 45 days or 100% return in 90 days through arbitrage of international reply coupons. Initially, he paid returns as promised, not from profits, but from the investments of new participants. When his scheme unraveled, it resulted in losses exceeding $20 million (equivalent to about $270 million today).
Notable American Ponzi Schemes
1. Bernie Madoff: Perhaps the most notorious Ponzi scheme in recent history, Bernie Madoff’s fraud involved $65 billion. Madoff, a well-respected figure in the financial industry, promised steady, high returns through a secretive investment strategy. His scheme lasted for decades before collapsing in 2008, devastating thousands of investors, including individuals, charities, and institutional clients.
2. Allen Stanford: Through his company, Stanford Financial Group, Allen Stanford orchestrated a $7 billion Ponzi scheme, luring investors with fraudulent certificates of deposit issued by his offshore bank. Stanford promised high returns and lavish lifestyle benefits to his investors, which ultimately led to a 110-year prison sentence for the financier in 2012.
3. Tom Petters: In a scheme that lasted more than a decade, Tom Petters ran a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme, using his company, Petters Group Worldwide. He claimed to buy and sell consumer electronics, but in reality, he used new investments to pay off old debts and fund his extravagant lifestyle. Petters was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
4. Eric Dalius and Saivian: Eric Dalius, a prominent figure behind Saivian, a cashback program promising high returns, is under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme. Saivian enticed investors with promises of up to 20% cash back on everyday purchases. However, investigations suggest that the returns were paid using new investments rather than legitimate profits. The collapse of Saivian l
KYC Compliance: A Cornerstone of Global Crypto Regulatory FrameworksAny kyc Account
This presentation explores the pivotal role of KYC compliance in shaping and enforcing global regulations within the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrencies. Dive into the intricate connection between KYC practices and the evolving legal frameworks governing the crypto industry.
Fabular Frames and the Four Ratio ProblemMajid Iqbal
Digital, interactive art showing the struggle of a society in providing for its present population while also saving planetary resources for future generations. Spread across several frames, the art is actually the rendering of real and speculative data. The stereographic projections change shape in response to prompts and provocations. Visitors interact with the model through speculative statements about how to increase savings across communities, regions, ecosystems and environments. Their fabulations combined with random noise, i.e. factors beyond control, have a dramatic effect on the societal transition. Things get better. Things get worse. The aim is to give visitors a new grasp and feel of the ongoing struggles in democracies around the world.
Stunning art in the small multiples format brings out the spatiotemporal nature of societal transitions, against backdrop issues such as energy, housing, waste, farmland and forest. In each frame we see hopeful and frightful interplays between spending and saving. Problems emerge when one of the two parts of the existential anaglyph rapidly shrinks like Arctic ice, as factors cross thresholds. Ecological wealth and intergenerational equity areFour at stake. Not enough spending could mean economic stress, social unrest and political conflict. Not enough saving and there will be climate breakdown and ‘bankruptcy’. So where does speculative design start and the gambling and betting end? Behind each fabular frame is a four ratio problem. Each ratio reflects the level of sacrifice and self-restraint a society is willing to accept, against promises of prosperity and freedom. Some values seem to stabilise a frame while others cause collapse. Get the ratios right and we can have it all. Get them wrong and things get more desperate.
Explore the world of investments with an in-depth comparison of the stock market and real estate. Understand their fundamentals, risks, returns, and diversification strategies to make informed financial decisions that align with your goals.
An accounting information system (AIS) refers to tools and systems designed for the collection and display of accounting information so accountants and executives can make informed decisions.
Budgeting as a Control Tool in Government Accounting in Nigeria
Being a Paper Presented at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Budget Office Staff at Sojourner Hotel, GRA, Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 8th June, 2024.
In World Expo 2010 Shanghai – the most visited Expo in the World History
https://www.britannica.com/event/Expo-Shanghai-2010
China’s official organizer of the Expo, CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade https://en.ccpit.org/) has chosen Dr. Alyce Su as the Cover Person with Cover Story, in the Expo’s official magazine distributed throughout the Expo, showcasing China’s New Generation of Leaders to the World.
Navigating Your Financial Future: Comprehensive Planning with Mike Baumannmikebaumannfinancial
Learn how financial planner Mike Baumann helps individuals and families articulate their financial aspirations and develop tailored plans. This presentation delves into budgeting, investment strategies, retirement planning, tax optimization, and the importance of ongoing plan adjustments.
“Amidst Tempered Optimism” Main economic trends in May 2024 based on the results of the New Monthly Enterprises Survey, #NRES
On 12 June 2024 the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) held an online event “Economic Trends from a Business Perspective (May 2024)”.
During the event, the results of the 25-th monthly survey of business executives “Ukrainian Business during the war”, which was conducted in May 2024, were presented.
The field stage of the 25-th wave lasted from May 20 to May 31, 2024. In May, 532 companies were surveyed.
The enterprise managers compared the work results in May 2024 with April, assessed the indicators at the time of the survey (May 2024), and gave forecasts for the next two, three, or six months, depending on the question. In certain issues (where indicated), the work results were compared with the pre-war period (before February 24, 2022).
✅ More survey results in the presentation.
✅ Video presentation: https://youtu.be/4ZvsSKd1MzE
Sun Tzu was a Chinese military strategist who lived in the 5th century BC and authored the classic work "The Art of War", covering military strategy and tactics. Some key points from the document include:
- "The Art of War" outlines principles of strategy, tactics, troop management, and planning that have influenced military and business thinking across East Asia and the Western world.
- It emphasizes factors like positioning, planning, and understanding the enemy as being essential for victory in warfare. Tactics discussed include flexible formations and exploiting weaknesses.
- Sun Tzu's teachings stress careful assessment, avoiding direct confrontation of strength, using deception, and winning without battle through strategic advantage. His work continues to be studied for insights
The document discusses China's growing military capabilities and its potential future relationship with the United States. It notes China has significantly modernized its military and increased spending, focusing on technologies like space weapons, submarines, and precision weapons. While conflict is not inevitable, the document asserts the possibility of strategic conflict between the US and China cannot be ruled out, especially given China's emphasis on asymmetric and hybrid warfare approaches. Whether China becomes a friend or foe to the US will depend on factors like economic ties and China's internal political and economic development.
The document summarizes China's evolving military capabilities under Xi Jinping's "China Dream" of national rejuvenation. It describes China's growing regional military reach inside the "Greater Asian box" through new weapons systems, and potential for global power projection outside Asia through aircraft carriers, strategic bombers, and nuclear-armed allies/proxies. It also highlights emerging power projection assets like amphibious systems and airlift capabilities that could support expeditionary operations.
This document discusses the initial impacts and development of nuclear weapons and strategy between major powers from 1945-1980s. It covers topics like the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, calls for international control over nuclear weapons, the failed Baruch Plan, doctrines of massive retaliation and mutual assured destruction, flexible response strategies, and programs like the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and Strategic Defense Initiative. The overall nuclear arms race and strategies are analyzed from the perspective of the US, USSR, and other involved countries.
Authors’ note:
A lot has happened in the last 5 days since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine on the 24th February 2022. In my bulletin I aim to conclude and share the information what I have gathered either through the support of the European Cyber Community or through my discussions with current and former members of armed forces in Europe. As my main profession – raising cyber resilience for organizations and nations to resist large scale cyber and hybrid incidents – requires me to holistically analyze the impact of multiple events happening parallel, I will not only focus on the cyber space aspect, but overall. For the strictly military movement timeline and events or ongoing fights there are many trustworthy resources out there, hence I will not put focus on that. This is not a study, I will not provide links and references. Many of the information you can simply search for, some or relying on personal discussions with subject matter experts.
Finally, everything written here is reflecting my own personal view.
This document discusses future threats to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and challenges to C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems. It identifies Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen as major threats due to Iran's nuclear program, missile buildup, use of proxies, and influence over Iraq. It recommends acknowledging Iran as a threat, monitoring its compliance with nuclear deals, and countering its propaganda. It also suggests improving surveillance of territories to detect terrorist activities and vigilance against threats spilling over from conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The document concludes C4ISR systems need to be assessed and upgraded to integrate all domains and latest technologies to address
The Rise and Fall of Ponzi Schemes in America.pptxDiana Rose
Ponzi schemes, a notorious form of financial fraud, have plagued America’s investment landscape for decades. Named after Charles Ponzi, who orchestrated one of the most infamous schemes in the early 20th century, these fraudulent operations promise high returns with little or no risk, only to collapse and leave investors with significant losses. This article explores the nature of Ponzi schemes, notable cases in American history, their impact on victims, and measures to prevent falling prey to such scams.
Understanding Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is an investment scam where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital from newer investors, rather than from legitimate profit earned. The scheme relies on a constant influx of new investments to continue paying the promised returns. Eventually, when the flow of new money slows down or stops, the scheme collapses, leaving the majority of investors with substantial financial losses.
Historical Context: Charles Ponzi and His Legacy
Charles Ponzi is the namesake of this deceptive practice. In the 1920s, Ponzi promised investors in Boston a 50% return within 45 days or 100% return in 90 days through arbitrage of international reply coupons. Initially, he paid returns as promised, not from profits, but from the investments of new participants. When his scheme unraveled, it resulted in losses exceeding $20 million (equivalent to about $270 million today).
Notable American Ponzi Schemes
1. Bernie Madoff: Perhaps the most notorious Ponzi scheme in recent history, Bernie Madoff’s fraud involved $65 billion. Madoff, a well-respected figure in the financial industry, promised steady, high returns through a secretive investment strategy. His scheme lasted for decades before collapsing in 2008, devastating thousands of investors, including individuals, charities, and institutional clients.
2. Allen Stanford: Through his company, Stanford Financial Group, Allen Stanford orchestrated a $7 billion Ponzi scheme, luring investors with fraudulent certificates of deposit issued by his offshore bank. Stanford promised high returns and lavish lifestyle benefits to his investors, which ultimately led to a 110-year prison sentence for the financier in 2012.
3. Tom Petters: In a scheme that lasted more than a decade, Tom Petters ran a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme, using his company, Petters Group Worldwide. He claimed to buy and sell consumer electronics, but in reality, he used new investments to pay off old debts and fund his extravagant lifestyle. Petters was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
4. Eric Dalius and Saivian: Eric Dalius, a prominent figure behind Saivian, a cashback program promising high returns, is under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme. Saivian enticed investors with promises of up to 20% cash back on everyday purchases. However, investigations suggest that the returns were paid using new investments rather than legitimate profits. The collapse of Saivian l
KYC Compliance: A Cornerstone of Global Crypto Regulatory FrameworksAny kyc Account
This presentation explores the pivotal role of KYC compliance in shaping and enforcing global regulations within the dynamic landscape of cryptocurrencies. Dive into the intricate connection between KYC practices and the evolving legal frameworks governing the crypto industry.
Fabular Frames and the Four Ratio ProblemMajid Iqbal
Digital, interactive art showing the struggle of a society in providing for its present population while also saving planetary resources for future generations. Spread across several frames, the art is actually the rendering of real and speculative data. The stereographic projections change shape in response to prompts and provocations. Visitors interact with the model through speculative statements about how to increase savings across communities, regions, ecosystems and environments. Their fabulations combined with random noise, i.e. factors beyond control, have a dramatic effect on the societal transition. Things get better. Things get worse. The aim is to give visitors a new grasp and feel of the ongoing struggles in democracies around the world.
Stunning art in the small multiples format brings out the spatiotemporal nature of societal transitions, against backdrop issues such as energy, housing, waste, farmland and forest. In each frame we see hopeful and frightful interplays between spending and saving. Problems emerge when one of the two parts of the existential anaglyph rapidly shrinks like Arctic ice, as factors cross thresholds. Ecological wealth and intergenerational equity areFour at stake. Not enough spending could mean economic stress, social unrest and political conflict. Not enough saving and there will be climate breakdown and ‘bankruptcy’. So where does speculative design start and the gambling and betting end? Behind each fabular frame is a four ratio problem. Each ratio reflects the level of sacrifice and self-restraint a society is willing to accept, against promises of prosperity and freedom. Some values seem to stabilise a frame while others cause collapse. Get the ratios right and we can have it all. Get them wrong and things get more desperate.
Explore the world of investments with an in-depth comparison of the stock market and real estate. Understand their fundamentals, risks, returns, and diversification strategies to make informed financial decisions that align with your goals.
An accounting information system (AIS) refers to tools and systems designed for the collection and display of accounting information so accountants and executives can make informed decisions.
Budgeting as a Control Tool in Government Accounting in Nigeria
Being a Paper Presented at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Budget Office Staff at Sojourner Hotel, GRA, Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 8th June, 2024.
In World Expo 2010 Shanghai – the most visited Expo in the World History
https://www.britannica.com/event/Expo-Shanghai-2010
China’s official organizer of the Expo, CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade https://en.ccpit.org/) has chosen Dr. Alyce Su as the Cover Person with Cover Story, in the Expo’s official magazine distributed throughout the Expo, showcasing China’s New Generation of Leaders to the World.
Navigating Your Financial Future: Comprehensive Planning with Mike Baumannmikebaumannfinancial
Learn how financial planner Mike Baumann helps individuals and families articulate their financial aspirations and develop tailored plans. This presentation delves into budgeting, investment strategies, retirement planning, tax optimization, and the importance of ongoing plan adjustments.
“Amidst Tempered Optimism” Main economic trends in May 2024 based on the results of the New Monthly Enterprises Survey, #NRES
On 12 June 2024 the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) held an online event “Economic Trends from a Business Perspective (May 2024)”.
During the event, the results of the 25-th monthly survey of business executives “Ukrainian Business during the war”, which was conducted in May 2024, were presented.
The field stage of the 25-th wave lasted from May 20 to May 31, 2024. In May, 532 companies were surveyed.
The enterprise managers compared the work results in May 2024 with April, assessed the indicators at the time of the survey (May 2024), and gave forecasts for the next two, three, or six months, depending on the question. In certain issues (where indicated), the work results were compared with the pre-war period (before February 24, 2022).
✅ More survey results in the presentation.
✅ Video presentation: https://youtu.be/4ZvsSKd1MzE
How to Invest in Cryptocurrency for Beginners: A Complete GuideDaniel
Cryptocurrency is digital money that operates independently of a central authority, utilizing cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies are decentralized and typically operate on a technology called blockchain. Each cryptocurrency transaction is recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and security.
Cryptocurrencies can be used for various purposes, including online purchases, investment opportunities, and as a means of transferring value globally without the need for intermediaries like banks.
2. • The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict is a truly modern multi
domain operation in progress which opened with a Russian multi-
pronged offside into Ukraine.
• Russia is making a bid to reach Kyiv to topple the current
Government and install its own.
• Initially shock and awe of the Russian blitz predicted that it was
game, set and match to Russia.
• To recount the sequence of events, the kinetic battle commenced
on 24 Feb at dawn with heavy firepower delivered through long
range guns, rockets, missiles and airstrikes synergistically.
INSIGHTS
3. • However what did happen was that, Russia did not carry out
follow up air operations to knock out Ukrainian air power or anti-
aircraft assets.
• Till date Ukraine air assets have been able to operate with
some degree of freedom and effect.
• By the evening of 28 Feb, Russian forces had advanced on
three thrust line and had established three distinct enclaves
around Kyiv, Kharkiv and Kherson.
• The first cycle of this conflict has been dominated by battlefield
transparency, firepower, movement and people’s resistance.
INSIGHTS
4. • Ukrainians, despite being outnumbered were contesting the
Russian advance along all thrust lines.
• Common citizens have joined in the fight with Molotov Cocktails
and AKs. Ground fighting and air strikes were continuing
intermittently.
• Ukrainian President has become an underdog and a leading
example for the whole world with his outstanding leadership and
commitment towards his land and people.
INSIGHTS
7. • Leaders matter in war. Mr Putin comes across as a cold
calculating aloof leader who has planned his moves and
prepared accordingly with clear-cut objectives regarding the
outcomes of this conflict he initiated.
• Mr Zelensky on the other hand seemed unsure in the
beginning. He is however leading bravely from the front. When
offered a ‘Ghani’ like exit by USA, he has galvanised his
people by simply saying that he ‘needs ammunition and not a
ride’.
• We are witnessing it in Ukraine where a democratically elected
popular ‘leader’ is rallying his ‘people’ around.
LEADERSHIP
8. • When brave leaders stay put with their people on the streets, to
lead from the front victory is assured.
• Take your mind back. A cold calculating Xi Jinping unleashed
Eastern Ladakh on us. At that time our PM went to Leh and the
RM went to Lukung to be with our troops and raise their
morale.
• We witnessed the result of this visit in Eastern Ladakh when it
seemed that China was walking all over us till we got our act
together and occupied Kailash Range and made them retreat.
LEADERSHIP
9. • The power of Intelligence and Information in a modern-day
battlefield is doubly reinforced in this conflict.
• US intelligence and information operations uncovered each
move by the Russians well in time.
• If heeded in time by Ukraine, the situation might have been
different.
• Russia also used misinformation at strategic and tactical levels
to conceal real deployments and actual movement.
INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION
10. • Russia was able to mount a sudden attack despite being under
constant US watch to achieve a high degree of operational
surprise.
• The real surprise is Ukrainian information operations. Without
much fanfare their President could communicate with his
population and rally them around.
• His communication ability though social media short clips is
something to really learn from.
• India has to get its act together. China and Pakistan will come
hammer and tongs at us during the next conflict situation.
INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION
11. • Chinese lay a lot of emphasis on ‘Informatised’ battlefields.
They are now looking at ‘Intelligentised’ battlefields
• On the other hand our experience in Kargil and Eastern Ladakh
indicates intelligence failures of a monumentally high order.
• Overall this conflict will teach us more about the increasing
value of Information Operations in war. India has to get its act
together.
INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION
12. • Much is made of the Cyber domain. Both sides have carried out
cyber-attacks on each other’s networks( civilian and military), either
directly or through proxies/ allies/ supporters.
• There is a view that cyber weapons are mostly deployed short of war
tools, in the grey zone between peace and war. They are cheap,
effective and often difficult to trace back to the state behind them in
comparison to boots on the ground, making retaliation complicated.
• Indian Armed forces need to rethink realistically the use of the cyber
domain in battle.
• China lays a lot of emphasis on Informatisation and cyberwarfare.
They are increasingly network dependent. This is a vulnerability
waiting to be exploited.
CYBER WARFARE
13. • Disrupt Chinese information operations and they are done. As
and when the CDS gets appointed, he needs to seriously think
about this along with the Service Chiefs.
• Conversely, own networks need cyber-proofing .The way to go
forward is to be light on battlefield networking and data
dependence.
• Better to be strong on communication. Use tactical acumen
rather than rely on innate lifeless data.
• The issue is that while we can have a layered architecture to
withstand a cyber-attack what do we do with the Chinese
hardware which floods our national networks?
CYBER WARFARE
14. • Will someone seriously think of cyber Atmanirbharta ? At
national levels the issue becomes more complicated and
definitely needs attention. However, if we have banned Chinese
apps, we can find ways to ban their hardware too.
• India has a lot of ground to cover. We cannot be Atamanirbhar
without intelligence. Unless we get our act together now, we
might not be able to catch up.
CYBER WARFARE
15. • This battle has shown the increasing value of precision long
range firepower employed in an integrated manner.
• Time to wake up out of our slumber. Long-range firepower
delivered by rockets, cruise missiles, airplanes and drones in
the initial stages opened up space for maneuver and created
condition for further operations.
• In our context, adopting integrated firepower delivery will pay
handsome dividends in the flat Tibetan plateau where
movement is predictable in time, space and locational
dimensions and camouflage is almost non-existent.
LONG RANGE WEAPONS
16. • Coordinated long range firepower from ground or air, manned
or unmanned, with suitable battlefield transparency and close
observation (manned or unmanned) will paralyze our
adversaries.
• On the other hand the Chinese firepower will not be that
effective since on our side of the LAC , the terrain is
relatively more broken and steep.
• We are in the danger of having long-range firepower in
“Dhritarashtra” mode. What is worse, when the future lies in
extending ranges of firepower volumetrically, Indian Army has
been reducing its requirement of long range rockets.
LONG RANGE WEAPONS
17. • Further, Ukraine employed long range firepower in an ambush
role innovatively.
• It appears from reports that Ukrainian forces kept a few
Smerch launchers in hides. From these hides they have been
able to redeploy and bring down devastating fire upon
advancing Russian columns as and when they entered pre-
prepared killing fields.
• India needs to study this better. An important aspect which has
emerged is that both sides have shown clarity in ensuring tight
sensor-shooter linkages.
LONG RANGE WEAPONS
18. • Russia could not integrate its ground based firepower with
airpower to knock out Ukraine forces
• Was it a case of poor training, faulty planning or inadequate
ammunition? In the event, the gaps in firepower planning and
delivery opened a window of opportunity to Ukrainian forces to
retaliate.
• The maxim that firepower must be delivered seamlessly across
the length and depth of the battlefield in an integrated manner
is an important lesson for the future, in Indian context.
INTEGRATION OF FIREPOWER
19. • The multipronged offensive carried out by the Russians looks
great on paper. However each prong is widely separated from
the other without mutual support.
• In addition the leadership and the resistance put up by the
Ukrainians indicates that a numerically inferior forces can tie
down large forces through a coordinated an tactically planned
ground innovation. This is something we should never lose
sight of in the Sino Indian situation.
• Advancement in indigenous cyber and information warfare
technologies needs to be focused upon.
• The macro lesson from this phase is that selection and
maintenance of aim, strategy for war according to terrain and
enemy resistance and concentration of force are important
principles of war and hard to ignore.
CONCLUSION