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
Unpacking Chinese, Russian and Iranian approaches to disinformation
The Arctic: A critical operational theatre for hybrid threats
Hybrid CoE Paper 31China’s maritime hybrid warfare: How Beijing uses lawfare and civilian entities to amplify military power
Hybrid CoE Paper 30Belarus as a hybrid threat actor: A Russian proxy with residual agency
Hybrid CoE Paper 29Artificial Intelligence and Foreign Information Manipulation: Chinese and Russian approaches
Hybrid CoE Trend Report 11MENA: Four political trends shaping the hybrid threat landscape
Hybrid CoE Paper 28Bracing for a cold front: Assessing Russian and Chinese strategic objectives and hybrid threat capabilities in the Arctic
Hybrid CoE Paper 27Handbook on the role of non-state actors in Russian hybrid threats
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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.
