Module 10: Managing Contemporary Crisis

The aim of module 10 is to examine crisis response systems and processes on national and multinational levels, focusing particularly on comprehensive crisis management approaches.

On the national level, the module will deal with crisis management systems, focusing on interagency cooperation and societal resilience. It will also address the notion and implementation of comprehensive defence and the basics of communication in a crisis. On the international level, the role of international organisations and other actors, such as NGOs, will be discussed. Yet, particular emphasis will be put here on the NATO crisis management system. The module will be supported by case studies in crisis management and response. Case studies will be utilised for discussing trends, actors, and scenarios that may lead to a crisis and for developing comprehensive solutions to the analysed case studies.

The BALTDEFCOL Conference on Russia is linked to this module by providing some general understanding of potential triggers of crisis linked to the Eastern neighbour, as well as by helping introduce some of the case studies used in the module.

Learning Outcomes.

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Consider the nature and main features of contemporary crisis and conflicts;
2. Examine national crisis management structure, decision-making processes, and interagency cooperation;
3. Assess the role of regional, international, and non-governmental organisations in managing crisis;
4. Utilise the comprehensive approach to security and national resilience.