He receives international recognition for article on the role of civil society in Ukraine’s defence

Giacomo Cuscuná, doctoral student in war studies at the Swedish Defence University, ranked second in the Central European Journal of International and Security Studies (CEJISS) annual award for Best Article 2025.

He received the recognition for the article From New Humanitarianism to Total Defence: Conceptualising a New Dimension of Aid Organisations in Ukraine’s War Effort.

“I see the nomination as an acknowledgement that the issues I am investigating are important and relevant”, says Giacomo Cuscuná.

Examining new forms of aid organisations

The article is a first step towards his broader doctoral research project. It explores the new types of organisations that have emerged following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These organisations provide support to civilians in Ukraine while also contributing to the country’s military defence.

“The question is whether they can be described as humanitarian organisations, or whether the humanitarian perspective is no longer sufficient to understand their activities”, he says.

In the article, he argues that these organisations should be understood as part of a broader concept of total defence rather than as traditional humanitarian actors.

Challenging traditional humanitarian principles

The research shows that the organisations’ work differs from classical humanitarian aid, where the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence have long been central.

Instead, it concerns new forms of cooperation between civilian and military actors, in which organisations both assist civilians and actively support Ukraine’s defence.

“The discussion is no longer only about how humanitarian principles should be interpreted, but also about how civilian organisations participate in a country’s defence effort during wartime”, says Giacomo Cuscuná.

His continued research will focus on the relationship between traditional humanitarian organisations and the new actors operating within the framework of total defence.

Based on interviews and social media analysis

The study centres on an organisation founded by Ukrainians in Sweden and active in both Sweden and Ukraine. Giacomo Cuscuna interviewed founders and activists about the organisation’s work, development, and views on issues such as neutrality and total defence. He also analysed the organisation’s social media content to examine how its activities are presented and communicated.

Relevant to the development of Swedish total defence

According to Giacomo Cuscuná, the research may contribute to a better understanding of how civil society organisations function in modern conflicts, where support for civilians is often closely linked to national defence and resilience.

He believes the issues are particularly relevant in Sweden and in the Nordic and Baltic countries, where total defence capabilities are once again being strengthened and where civil society is expected to play an important role.

“The study also highlights how diaspora organisations and civil society can mobilise resources, networks and support across national borders during wartime,” he says.

Personal experience from international humanitarian and monitoring missions

Before he started his doctoral studies, he was involved in international humanitarian and monitoring missions in conflict-affected areas, including Ukraine.

“The Russian aggression against Ukraine became deeply personal for me. Through my research at the Swedish Defence University, I am able to explore issues that I both consider important and feel strongly about,” he says.