Conf. univ. dr. Aurelian RAŢIU*
Alexandra MUNTEANU**
Abstract. Blending conventional, irregular and informational warfare, the hybrid warfare exploits the weaknesses of the enemy and, even more, seeks to obtain support of the enemy’s civilian population in order to ensure the maximum success with the minimum effort. The civilian population fall victim to fake news, conspiracy theories, manufactured videos, constant confusion and influence. The civilians have become the first priority for states like Russia, interested in creating destabilization. In a state with a deep ethnical division and numerous Russian-speakers as Ukraine, the propaganda can be used without major obstacles. This paper addresses on the general aspects regarding the hybrid warfare but mainly the role of Ukrainian civilian population in the context of the Russia’s multidimensional approach.
The 21th century is different. Armies do not fight face to face anymore, respecting the principle of proportionality in quantitative and qualitative measures, declaring the war, obeying the laws against civilian involvement and concentrating the power on enemy’s military.
Nowadays we see terrorist groups fighting against state actors, seeking to create panic and destroy governments. We see states trying to achieve the support of other country’s civilians, using overt or covert approaches. We see how mass media is trying to influence people’s mind and determine what to believe in and how to behave, the freedom of staying informed being transformed into a convenient tool to control and manipulate. We see how a foreign territory is annexed without firing a bullet.
* Prodecan, Facultatea de Ştiinţe Militare, Academia Forţelor Terestre „Nicolae Bălcescu” din Sibiu
** Masterand Academia Forţelor Terestre „Nicolae Bălcescu” din Sibiu
