The challenges facing the state and their implications for Egyptian national security
In the context of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' interest in raising awareness among employees about the importance of Egyptian national security through meetings to inform them about the challenges and risks facing the state, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), under the patronage of Engineer Osama El-Bakly, Chairman of the Board, organized a seminar titled "The Challenges Facing the State and Their Implications for Egyptian National Security." The seminar hosted Air Force Major General Dr. Hisham El-Halabi, Advisor to the Nasser Higher Military Academy, who reviewed during the seminar the patterns of modern wars and their classifications according to each generation, starting from traditional first-generation wars to fourth-generation wars, which are considered the most dangerous as they rely on mental weapons and the fight against principles and minds, characterized by the lack of clear lines between war and politics, with the reliance on small combat groups to support mental attacks.
Al-Halabi added that Dr. Max Manwaring described fourth-generation wars as wars that aim to destabilize the state and its stability, then impose a new reality within it until the civilian sectors of the state are targeted. During the presentation, he discussed the objectives, characteristics, and methods of fourth-generation wars, explaining that their goal is not to destroy a military institution but to fragment state institutions and exhaust them slowly, imposing a new reality on the ground to serve the enemy's objectives.
Al-Halabi added that one of the most important characteristics of fourth-generation wars is that they are not conventional like previous generations' wars. They rely on technological advancements and use what is called "psychological weapons." He also discussed the methods of fourth-generation wars, explaining that they begin by inciting terrorism and demonstrations under the pretext of peacefulness by exploiting the needs and demands of the people and local crises, then start attacking public and private facilities. Additionally, they use advanced psychological warfare through media manipulation, psychological manipulation, and falsification of facts and images.
He also reviewed the reality of the dangers facing Egypt currently, especially in light of the economic and political successes it has achieved and its overcoming of the economic crisis, in addition to the implementation of many national projects that will restore its natural position as a leading country in the region and the world. He pointed out that Egyptian society has an important and significant role in confronting any threats that may negatively impact the wheel of economic development and eliminate the gains achieved, especially amidst the current tensions in the region. He confirmed that fourth-generation wars and smart power have indeed entered the field of direct application in the Middle East, but they have failed in Egypt so far. Here, he urged all attendees to unite, bond, and maintain unity to bring our beloved country, Egypt to safety.