Critical infrastructure security in the face of contemporary threats

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the research, the conclusions of which are presented in this article, was to determine the position and role of Poland's critical infrastructure in the context of military and hybrid threats from the Russian Federation and Belarus.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The main research problem was formulated as the question: Which critical infrastructure systems are most significant given the dynamic changes in Poland's contemporary security environment? The research process employed both theoretical and empirical methods characteristic of the social sciences, including source analysis and diagnostic surveys (Wiśniewski). Data were collected through a survey of a representative sample of 395 individuals from across Poland. The study focused on the state's critical infrastructure systems—key services ensuring the population's security under contemporary threat conditions.

FINDINGS: The research results indicate significant public interest in the issue of critical infrastructure protection in Poland. Respondents appreciated the importance of all sectors providing key services, with the highest indications observed in areas directly related to meeting basic existential needs, such as water, food, and energy systems and services. Respondents also rated the need to maintain effective rescue systems relatively high. According to the authors, this opinion may have been influenced by the ongoing war near Poland's eastern border. After several decades of peace in Europe, the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine has made the public aware that military threats remain real and that appropriate preparations are necessary.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications primarily involve highlighting public expectations regarding critical infrastructure security for both central and local government administrations under conditions of hybrid actions and military threats from the Russian Federation.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research findings consider new challenges in the security environment of Central and Eastern Europe and may be applicable in other countries in the region.