Security and Defense in a Complex World

Dr. Juan Cayón Peña (Madrid, 1968) holds degrees in French Language and Civilisation (Sorbonne, 1988), Law (UPCO, 1991), Legal Practice (UPCO, 1992), and a PhD in Law (UPCO, 1998). He served as Rector of Nebrija University (2014–2020) and currently leads UDIT (2023–present). His academic career spans roles from Department Director to Secretary General and Vice-Rector for Institutional and International Relations at two universities. Since 1993, he has taught extensively in law, philosophy, and politics, and has been a visiting professor at institutions including Sorbonne (France), University of Buenos Aires, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and CESEDEN (Spain). He has collaborated with Spain’s Ministry of Justice and National Police Training Division.

Dr. Cayón has supervised doctoral theses, authored 26 book chapters with publishers such as Aranzadi Thompson-Reuters, Cambridge Scholar Publishing, and Springer, and published numerous research articles. He is a corresponding academic at the Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation (Spain), the Academy of Arts and Sciences of Puerto Rico, and a Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences. He chairs the Spanish National Group of the Pugwash Movement (Nobel Peace Prize 1995) and is a full member of the Institute for European Studies, Antonio Rosmini. His honors include Spain’s First Class Cross of San Raimundo de Peñafort and Grand Cross of Naval Merit, as well as international distinctions such as the Medal of the Colombian War School and recognition from the Lima Bar Association.

Dr. Valentín Martínez-Otero Pérez (Oviedo, 1963) holds two PhDs—Psychology (UCM) and Philosophy/Educational Sciences (UNED)—both awarded the Extraordinary Prize. He specialized in Clinical Psychology at UCM, earned a Master’s in Psychopathology and Health, and holds certifications in Community Mental Health and Trainer of Trainers. A Professor and Researcher in Educational Studies at UCM’s Faculty of Education, he has taught for decades, supervised doctoral theses, and contributed to postgraduate programs and academic committees. His international work includes lectures, visiting professorships, and research in over 30 countries.

Dr. Martínez-Otero has participated in national and international research projects and advised on educational innovation, mental health, and school coexistence programs. His interdisciplinary approach integrates psychology, pedagogy, and sociology. He serves as a peer reviewer for scientific journals and delivers seminars on violence prevention and emotional well-being. Committed to holistic education, he promotes ethical and humanistic values. He currently directs the Complutense Research Group Psychosociobiology of Violence: Education and Prevention and is an active member of professional associations, frequently speaking at international scientific events.

Introduction.- Notes for addressing Postmodernity; Implications for Security & Defence.- Psychosocial Background of Postmodern Polarization.- The postmodernity as a complex phenomenon. Dynamogenesis of values, people, society and Law.- Immersive Geopolitics: Public Diplomacy and Disinformation in the Metaverse as a New Field of Conflict.- Industrial Espionage in Multinational Corporations: Issues and Preventive Protocols.- On the death of jus cogens in Ukraine.- Interpretation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine through the lens of reflexive control theories.- The shortcomings of international humanitarian law in the face of the privatization of security.