Prof. Gordan Akrap

Prof. Gordan Akrap has a profound interest in Information and Communication Sciences, with a specialization in Intelligence, Security, and Homeland Security. His work emphasizes the hybridity of threats, risks, and intelligence. Prof. Akrap has organized key events, such as the 21st conference of the International Intelligence History Association in Zagreb in May 2015, and nine consecutive Zagreb Security Forums from 2016 to 2024. He is a board member of the International Intelligence History Association in Hamburg, Germany, and the founder and president of the Hybrid Warfare Research Institute in Zagreb since 2017 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, he contributes to the NGO sector as a board member of the St. George Association in Zagreb.

As a project leader, Prof. Akrap has spearheaded initiatives like the analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy (in)dependence and its strategic partnership with the Republic of Croatia. He also leads the ATENA project, focusing on the accuracy analysis of media articles, serving as the official fact-checking organization for security and defense areas of interest.

Professional experience

Prof. Gordan Akrap has held various roles in the field of security and intelligence. He serves as Vice Rector and Assistant Rector at Dr. Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University. Prof. Akrap is currently in his second mandate as a member of the Council for Civilian Oversight of Security and Intelligence Agencies. He also teaches at several universities in Croatia and abroad, sharing his expertise in security and intelligence.

After a long career in the Security-Intelligence Agency, Prof. Akrap retired on July 1, 2017, with the highest rank in Intelligence. His experience includes diplomatic work as a liaison officer in the Croatian Embassy and Consulate General, and he has been involved in the Center for Strategic Research of the Croatian Armed Forces HQ, particularly in UAV development. He also has a background in Croatia's Volunteers' (military) units.

Prof. Akrap is the Editor in Chief of the National Security and the Future journal since February 2021 and co-founder of the Security Science Journal, contributing to the discourse in security and intelligence studies.

Education

Prof. Gordan Akrap earned his PhD in Information and Communication Sciences between 2007 and 2011. He completed his master’s studies in electronics and computing at the University of Zagreb (1988-1994), following earlier studies in electrotechnics, maritime, and engineering at the University of Split (1986-1988). Additionally, he attended the Diplomatic Academy in 1996 and passed the State Official Exam in 2004.