Preparing for Conflict and War – The Continuing Need

Abstract: The relevance of integrating preparation for conflict and war in high school and university programs is given by the geopolitical context of Romania and Moldova. This region is marked by tensions and risks generated by nearby conflicts, especially the war in Ukraine, as well as its strategic position between two great spheres of influence: the West, represented by NATO and the European Union, and the Russian Federation. These circumstances underline the importance of an educated population in the field of security and conflict management, making the research topic highly relevant. The growing tensions around Romania and the Republic of Moldova underline the imperative to equip young people with essential knowledge and skills to navigate potential conflict situations. Education systems play a critical role in fostering resilience, critical thinking and preparedness among young people. Incorporating modules that address conflict awareness and disaster response strategies is not only timely, but essential for student safety and well-being. In the research context described, it proposes to explore the importance and impact of such an educational model, highlighting ways in which it can support the development of social, cognitive and civic skills of young people. Keywords: Conflict, War, Education and Training, Emotional Resilience, Crisis Management