Hybrid threats are used by authoritarian states and regimes, as well as by non-state actors serving as proxies for authoritarian regimes. Examples of hybrid threat actors include Russia, China, and Iran.
Non-state hybrid threat actors can include groups, movements or entities, which are used or co-opted to fulfil certain strategic objectives. Examples of non-state actors include the Africa Corps, a Russian-controlled military unit operating in Africa; hacker groups affiliated with Russian intelligence services, such as Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear; and the Confucius Institutes network, which promotes the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda abroad.
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Related news and publications
Hybrid CoE Research Report 14Protecting maritime infrastructure from hybrid threats: legal options
Hybrid CoE Paper 23Countering state-sponsored proxies: Designing a robust policy
Hybrid CoE Research Report 13Strings attached: China’s narrative influence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Hybrid CoE Paper 22Cross-cutting technologies in Chinese space activities: Raising the risk of hybrid threats
Hybrid CoE Paper Hybrid CoE Paper 21: China and space: How space technologies boost China’s intelligence capabilities as part of hybrid threats
Hybrid CoE Strategic Analysis Hybrid CoE Strategic Analysis 35: Lessons learned from Western sanctions on Russia: Knowing your target well
Hybrid CoE Paper Hybrid CoE Paper 20: Ukraine’s position in Russia’s strategic thinking: Domestic, regional and international order
Hybrid CoE Working Paper Hybrid CoE Working Paper 33: State, non-state or chimera? The rise and fall of the Wagner Group and recommendations for countering Russia’s employment of complex proxy networks
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The Centre focuses on diverse aspects of hybrid threats – from soft power to military means, and from policy to practical questions.
