HYBRID WAR

INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVE
CHARACTERISTICS

1. Integration of Military and Non-Military Tactics/ HYBRID THREATS:

Hybrid warfare blends conventional military tactics with non-military tools
such as cyber-attacks, propaganda, economic pressure, and political
subversion. This integration allows aggressors to exploit weaknesses across
different domains simultaneously.
2. Asymmetry and Deniability: Hybrid warfare often involves asymmetric
tactics where weaker actors challenge stronger opponents by exploiting
vulnerabilities in unconventional ways. Aggressors may also operate through
proxies or covert means to maintain deniability and evade direct attribution.
3. Ambiguity and Deception: Hybrid warfare relies on ambiguity and deception
to confuse adversaries and mask true intentions. Aggressors may employ
misinformation, disinformation, and psychological operations to manipulate
perceptions and create uncertainty.
4. Hybrid Actors: Hybrid warfare can involve a mix of state and non-state actors
operating across multiple domains. State-sponsored hackers, proxy militias,
insurgent groups, criminal organizations, and ideological extremists may
collaborate or act independently to advance their interests.
5. Hybrid Environments: Hybrid warfare takes place in complex and
interconnected environments where physical, virtual, and cognitive domains
intersect. Aggressors exploit vulnerabilities in cyberspace, information
networks, financial systems, and social media platforms to achieve strategic
effects.

THREATS
 Disruption of Critical Infrastructure: Cyber-attacks targeting critical
infrastructure such as power grids, transportation networks, and financial
systems can cause widespread disruption, economic damage, and social
chaos.

 Undermining Democracy: Through disinformation campaigns, cyber-attacks

on voting systems, or supporting extremist groups, hybrid warfare can
undermine democratic processes. This can lead to a loss of trust in democratic
institutions and create internal divisions within a country.
 Evolving Nature of Terrorism: Hybrid warfare tactics can involve supporting
terrorist groups or using them as proxies to destabilize a region. These groups
 can carry out attacks on civilians, government institutions, or military targets,
leading to widespread fear and insecurity.
 Disinformation and Fake News: Disinformation campaigns spread false
information through social media, news outlets, and other channels to
manipulate public opinion, create confusion, and undermine trust in
institutions. This can weaken a country internally and make it more vulnerable
to external threats.
 Economic Coercion and Financial Warfare: Economic pressure tactics such
as sanctions, trade restrictions, and currency manipulation can weaken
economies, undermine financial stability, and coerce governments into
compliance with aggressors' demands.

 Proxy Conflicts and Regional Instability: Instead of directly engaging in

conflict, countries might support and fund proxy groups or militias in the
target country to create instability and further their own interests. This can
lead to prolonged conflicts, regional instability, and humanitarian crises.
 Cyber Espionage and Intellectual Property Theft: Hybrid warfare tactics can
involve cyber espionage to steal sensitive information, intellectual property,
and government secrets. This can give an adversary a strategic advantage,
compromise national security, and undermine economic competitiveness.

RESPONSES TO COMBAT HYBRID WAR

1. Enhancing Resilience: Countries need to strengthen their critical

infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, and
communication networks, to make them less vulnerable to cyber-attacks and
other forms of disruption.
2. STRENGHTHENING DEMOCRACTIC INSTITUTIONS: To defend against
threats to democracy, governments need to invest in cybersecurity measures
to protect voting systems from cyber-attacks and ensure the integrity of
elections. They also need to educate the public about disinformation and fake
news to help people identify and reject false information.

3. Training of Armed Forces: To combat hybrid warfare, armed forces need to

be trained to respond to a wide range of threats beyond traditional military
tactics. This includes training in cyber defence to protect against cyber-attacks,
as well as counterinsurgency tactics to combat proxy forces and terrorist
groups. Armed forces also need to be prepared to work closely with other
government agencies, such as intelligence services and law enforcement, as
well as with international partners, to counter hybrid threats effectively.
 4. Combatting Disinformation: Governments, tech companies, and civil society
need to work together to combat disinformation and fake news. This includes
investing in fact-checking organizations, promoting media literacy, and
improving the transparency and accountability of online platforms.
5. Economic Resilience: To combat economic coercion and financial warfare,
countries need to diversify their economies, reduce their dependence on
vulnerable sectors, and strengthen their financial systems to withstand
economic pressure.
6. Regional Stability: To address proxy conflicts and regional instability,
countries need to engage in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding
efforts. This includes working with regional partners and international
organizations to address the underlying causes of conflict and promote
stability.

CASE EXAMPLE
Case study example
One notable example of hybrid warfare is Russia's actions in Ukraine, particularly in the
ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Here's how hybrid
warfare elements were employed in this case:
1. Military Tactics: Russia utilized both conventional military forces and irregular
fighters, often referred to as "little green men" due to their unmarked uniforms, to
seize control of key infrastructure and government buildings in Crimea and later in
eastern Ukraine. This was done without officially declaring war, blurring the lines of
responsibility.
2. Cyber Warfare: Prior to the annexation of Crimea, there were reports of cyber-
attacks targeting Ukrainian government and critical infrastructure systems, disrupting
communication and causing confusion.
3. Information Warfare: Russia engaged in a significant disinformation campaign,
spreading propaganda and false narratives to justify its actions in Crimea and eastern
Ukraine. This included portraying the Ukrainian government as illegitimate and
promoting the idea of protecting ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in these
regions.
4. Proxy Warfare: Russia provided support to separatist forces in eastern Ukraine,
including arms, training, and personnel, while denying direct involvement. These
proxy forces were used to destabilize the region and undermine the authority of the
Ukrainian government.
5. Political and Economic Coercion: Russia imposed economic sanctions on Ukraine
and used its political influence to pressure Ukrainian leaders. This included cutting off
energy supplies and offering financial support to separatist movements.
Israel-Lebanon War (2006): In this war Hybrid warfare was used by the Hezbollah group. It
employed a host of different tactics like guerrilla warfare, innovative use of technology and
effective information campaigning.