RESILIENCE OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AS A NATIONAL SECURITY FACTOR: STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF ITS PERFORMANCE IN A CURRENT HYBRID ENVIRONMENT

The contemporary hybrid security environment positions critical infrastructure as both a strategic asset and a potential vulnerability for national security. The growing interdependence among infrastructure sectors increases the risk of systemic disruptions with broad social and economic consequences. Evidence from recent armed conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, confirms the significance of infrastructure facilities as targets of combined and hybrid operations. The aim of the present study is to assess the level of awareness among students at the Rakovski National Defence College regarding the resilience of critical infrastructure and its impact on national security. The research employs a qualitative design based on semi-structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 23 participants. The analysis focuses on determining the level of knowledge, the assessment of the condition and functioning of national infrastructure systems, as well as perceived risks and vulnerabilities. The findings indicate a relatively high level of awareness concerning the strategic importance of infrastructure systems, while also identifying deficiencies related to resilience assessment and interinstitutional coordination. On this basis, recommendations are formulated to enhance education and professional training, and to strengthen the integrated civil-military approach to risk management. The resilience of critical infrastructure is conceptualized as a dynamic process requiring systematic prevention, protection, and recovery measures in the context of hybrid threats. The results of the study indicate that Bulgaria's national critical infrastructure has clear regulatory frameworks and certain protective mechanisms in place, but practical effectiveness remains limited. The main challenges are related to the human factor, inter-agency coordination, preparedness, and vulnerability to hybrid and multi-domain threats. The international environment and regional conflicts significantly increase these risks. An integrated approach is required, including updating regulatory documents, enhancing technical and cyber protection, conducting regular exercises, facilitating information sharing, and promoting cross-sector cooperation, in order to ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure and the security of the state.