Conf. univ. dr. Silviu NATE*

Abstract. The new postmodern war brand combines propaganda, cyber-attacks and misinformation to disrupt the information space, causing confusion among senior officials and delaying strategic responses. Russia is not trying to use hybrid strategies as a mere substitute for military action or as a precursor to the war but instead seeks to ensure that political outcomes in the countries concerned contribute to the attainment of its own national interests. Developing mechanisms to respond to the challenge of the hybrid war requires time and effort, but it is unlikely that a focus-only approach to reinforcing conventional deterrence will be fruitful. Combining European and transatlantic efforts to understand and counteract the hybrid warfare has the role of strengthening the capability of key institutions to improve their own defense capabilities. The study presents a number of key features and responses to non-kinetic threats.

* Director, Centrul de Studii Globale, Universitatea „Lucian Blaga” din Sibiu