Hybrid Warfare: Escalation in Europe and Implications for European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Abstract

Hybrid warfare, the emerging phenomenon of 21st century, has evolved from fourth generation of warfare and blends the use of conventional and unconventional capabilities for achieving strategic goals. It is a fully coordinated warfare which comprise of elements ranging from regular military tactics to terrorists attacks, irregular use of force to violence and criminal disorder, and many more. Hezbollah is first proper prototype which brought the world at the verge of hybrid warfare. Qualitative research method is adopted in this study. To validate my research material and build better understanding to the topic, material has been gathered from various books, journals and articles. My paper, however, focuses on Russian hybrid warfare attempts that have threatened Europe at many levels. Security environment is characterized by the wide range of threats and challenges state poses. The change in the threat perception and the simultaneous change in security environment have contributed in continuous shift in the world order. Similarly, the peril to Europe’s security environment is majorly from east due to Russian intervention in its neighboring European states. Russia has embarked a completely new era of diplomatic assertion within its military capabilities and available arsenals. The eastern border of Europe is insecure due to Russia’s aggressive expansionist policy, by attacking on the center of gravity of states. European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization consider hybrid warfare as the greatest threat to the global peace and security which if not controlled would leave everlasting negative implications for not only Europe but whole world. Therefore, there is need of enhancing cooperation between European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as two are better than one. The individual and collective efforts of both institutions and their implications are further determined by the evaluation of role of United States, particularly Trump’s Presidency.

Keywords: Hybrid Warfare, Hybrid Threats, Conventional Warfare, Irregular Warfare, European Union, NATO, Strategic Partnership